U-R-G On the Go
An informative podcast for the United Recyclers Group. Each week we will feature an entertaining guest that will share their knowledge and information with you, providing you with tips and tools to help you become a more profitable business.
U-R-G On the Go
Maximize Your Conference Experience with Expert Tips
Discover the secrets to revitalizing your business operations as we gear up for the 81st Annual ARA Convention and Expo in Reno! Join us for an engaging conversation with our special guest, Paul D'Adamo, who provides an exclusive inside look at the wealth of opportunities awaiting attendees. You'll get to know more about the must-see exhibitors like Razz, URG, CoPart, and eBay, and why you shouldn't miss Amber from Pete's discussing how to overcome complacency in business. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with insights that will help you make the most out of your conference experience.
Learn about the influential figures making waves in the automotive recycling industry, from the impressive contributions of Tom Andre to the collaborative efforts behind the Gold Seal Quality Assurance Certification by ARA and URG. We celebrate the leadership and dedication of Shannon Nordstrom, Christy Werner, and the enduring impact of Sandy Blaylock. This episode emphasizes the importance of attending industry events to build lasting relationships and nurture a strong sense of community among peers. Networking is more than just exchanging business cards—it's about fostering meaningful connections that can propel your career forward.
Finally, we dive into practical advice on maximizing the benefits of attending the ARA Annual Conference and Expo. Hear inspiring stories about the URG Scholarship Foundation, which supports the education of auto recycling employees and their families. Gain valuable tips on how to stay organized, share best practices, and continue learning from peers. Plus, enjoy a fun discussion on the joys and challenges of maintaining an organized home, especially in smaller spaces. Tune in to discover how a passion for organization can enrich your personal and professional life, and get ready to rejuvenate your operations with fresh perspectives and new ideas!
Welcome one and all to the URG On the Go podcast. You can tell this is the true voice of the automotive recycling industry. I'm DJ Harrington, better known as the cardiologist, and we have a real good guest today. And we have a real good guest today. My dear friend Paul D'Adonald has been on the podcast before and every time I want to try to help ARA, I figured let me call Paul and together we're going to do this podcast so that every one of our listeners will be totally excited about going to Reno and what to expect. So first of all, paul, how are you this?
Speaker 2:beautiful day Couldn't be better, dj, and it's always a pleasure spending time with you on the URG podcast.
Speaker 1:Well, my friend, there are so many good things to talk about. I booked my reservations. I'll be in Reno October 23rd through the 26th for the 81st Annual ARA Convention and Expo and, paul, they have over 100 exhibitors that have flown out there to be there, and I call that like the aisle of assistance. So let me get your view on the upcoming conference.
Speaker 2:Well, you know, you know I'm a business organizational guy and this is like you can get a graduate degree at Reno right, and this is like you can get a graduate degree at Reno right. In business we talk about an MBA, but it's also management by walking around MBWA and Reno is going to be the perfect opportunity, whether you're going to seminars or going to see all the vendors oh, by the way, shameless plug here. You know I work for Raz, now former recycler working in the biz on the vendor side, and we love it when people come to the booth You're going to. You know Reno's going to be special. We actually have a spinner thing where you'll spin it and get a prize. Who knows, maybe you'll win me for a night of service. Who knows? You know I'll be your butler.
Speaker 1:I would do it in a heartbeat.
Speaker 2:That could be some fun man.
Speaker 1:I would do it in a heartbeat, believe me. Now, when you're at a booth, you're at Razz, urg has a booth, commercial Forums, bin Match, pro. All of those guys are all going to be there. My dear friends at Car Park, they're going to be there. Ebay, of course, is one of the main sponsors. I want to ask you, when we have a listener listening today, tell them a little bit about amber speaking. Isn't she from pete's?
Speaker 2:oh my gosh. So I've known amber since she was, you know, a young person. Now she's a mature adult and she's running Pete's. But her topic I love this overcoming complacency. It's one thing you know. Business has its ebbs and flows, highs and lows, but there's some times when business is kind of humming along and it's easy to get lulled into complacency. I always tell people in my seminars I'm a millennial in a boomer's body.
Speaker 2:I'm a project guy. If I'm not doing something, I'm a millennial in a boomer's body. I'm a project guy. If I'm not doing something, I'm useless. So I honestly I'm hoping I can carve out time from my work duties to go see Amber, because I know she's very project oriented and wanting to improve her business. That's what we're all there for.
Speaker 1:Yes, and she really is a gift to the industry. Well, we've had her on a previous URG podcast and she was excellent. She is a real student of the industry. And when we did tours in Michigan and I told Skip, well, and from Wellers, and Skip says, well, you know, I've been around a long time and I said, well, you need to come to Pete's on the tour and go into the shipping and receiving department and look what this young lady has done at her father's place department and look what this young lady has done at her father's place and she has gone all over the place working, you know, for the industry.
Speaker 1:She has back to pete's and brought all the good stuff that she found out at other places and took over her dad's business. That was her grandfather's business. That's where it all came from Three generations. Amber is excellent, so Skip Weller Goes on the bus with us. He goes okay.
Speaker 1:DJ I'm going in and when he goes in there he is Speechless. How a young lady has just revamped Her entire shipping and receiving and Skip sat there with a pad of paper going wow, what a great way to do wrap, what a great way to do packaging. Where she learned this she is a gift for the industry. She's a very good speaker, and so I too will be in the audience listening to Amber.
Speaker 2:Yeah, you know, it just goes to show you. You know, when people like, hey, oh so I was in Pennsylvania last month, walked into Chuck's Now I've known Doug and JR forever and their guy, their operations guy, matt, loved this guy he says, hey, he gives me a wink, Like you want to go for a tour. I'm like, well, I've been out there, I'll go out there. Dude, they've got this brand new building. I visually could not even count the number of doors. They're upgrading their entire dismantling process. So just when you think, well, I've been on a number of tours, I've seen a number of yards. What can I learn? Guess what? Never stop opening your eyes, visiting places and learning. Actually, you can learn from the good, the bad and the ugly to make your place better.
Speaker 1:You are so right. Some guy at a Chevrolet store one day, Paul, said to me what do you learn? I said, well, sometimes I learn things of what not to do, oh my gosh. And the Chevrolet guy looked at me and said what are you talking about? I said good example, have you seen your own parts department? And I brought him into parts and he sat there and I said now, here's what a customer has to look at and listen to from the counter he went oh my, in my own store, I never even thought about it.
Speaker 2:Under his nose, Right under his own nose, I tell people, guys in our business, if your wife doesn't work there, have your wife visit and give her honest opinion about your curb appeal, about how they feel about entering the office as a woman. Do they feel safe? Do they feel secure? Is it appealing to the eye? Right, honest opinions are good.
Speaker 1:Oh, you are right on, my friend. You are right on, and I want to encourage all of our people. Before we take a break, I want to encourage all our people to go visit each and every vendor. Take out your list, first of all. I don't know what you do, paul, but I take the registration list of vendors, then I walk through them the night before, saying, all right, I need to go see this guy, I need to order some more of this. I need to go by and see what this electric vehicle thing is all about. I want to go see how to prevent fires in my place. So why don't we go by and visit this distributor who has a booth there? And the more you do like that, then go and visit all the others. Like, how do you lay it out the night before?
Speaker 2:I'll tell you what we used to. You know, I would bring some of my employees and I would say look, go through the list of seminars and vendors. Who must we see top priority, who do we need to see in terms of opening our minds to something that we aren't really paying attention to or new, and then go from there. But you do have to prioritize because you know with 100 vendors you could get lost real quick. So you got to be careful with your time. Time management is critical at a trade show.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I want to tell our listeners if you're in Florida, there's a lot of new rules in Florida, so you need to go by Auto Data Direct and visit with Jay just so you catch up, because Jay can instantly catch you up. If you're a Floridian, you got to go see Auto Data Direct this conference at Reno. They have a booth there. Jay will be there in the booth. Let's take a break, and when we come back I want to talk about your dear friend Tom Andre. Take a break and when we come back, I want to talk about your dear friend Tom Andre. Okay, We'll be right back with Paul D'Adamo and Jay Harris.
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Speaker 1:Welcome back listeners. Of course you know you're listening to URG On the Go podcast with DJ Harrington and our special co-host today, paul D'Adamo from Rise. I want to thank all of you for doing such a great job listening. Now I want to remind all of us that we're available every week. We're on Spotify, itunes, pandora, stitcher, iheartmedia, amazon or wherever you get your podcasts. And before the break, paul, I know you have a dear friend. I told David Gold. I said I think Tom Andre is one of the best speakers in our industry and I sat in his audience three or four years ago and it was like going to graduate school. Well, last year Tom did a class and I was right there in the front row and David Gold is two seats over from me and he said DJ, he's something. I said he's phenomenal, but you really know him because he's from your state phenomenal, but you really know him because he's from your state.
Speaker 2:Not only that, but when I left Pick and Pull, I think I mentioned this to you before Tom and I have a great relationship. My wife and I had a consulting company. We actually did a 10-month management training program for his folks and I also spent quite a few months developing a policy procedures and job description database for him. So we worked closely for many hours, you know, on a monthly basis, and, like you said, he says sees it, he says it. Um, he's no nonsense and there's a lot to be learned from Tom he's. He runs a quite an operation and you know what? I've never heard him say no to someone who wanted to come in tourist facility.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Again, the sharing in this industry is, it's incomprehensible. A lot of companies don't have that opportunity. That's the key to our industry sharing and it shows at the trade shows and it shows when people say, hey, can I come see your place?
Speaker 1:Look at Shannon Nordstrom Anybody who goes out that area, he opens his door. Shannon Norsom not one of his four managers, but he himself will walk you around the property. He's just a gift. And, of course, he's on the executive committee. Also. Ara and URG since this is a URG podcast they revolutionized professional automotive recycling industry with the Gold Seal Quality Assurance Certification and they did it together. And Shannon Nordstrom, of course, is the ARA Certification Committee Chairman and he's on the Executive Committee. And he talked about Christy Werner. All our listeners know she is the CEO of United Recyclers Group and they together ARA and URG collaborated together on this and brought it to Gold Seal Quality Assurance Program. So when you're there, make sure you learn more about it and channel about it.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, and I'll tell you what. It gives me goosebumps when we talk about Christy, because I got involved with URG back in almost its infancy and Christy has always been just this amazing person. And, more importantly, obviously you and I have been around a long time to see women rise to this level in what was predominantly a male industry. I just think it's incredible. I love it. I think women bring a lot of a different angle to our business. I love seeing wives come with their husbands to the trade shows and there's only going to be positive results because of it.
Speaker 1:I agree, christy Werner is a real gift and she has been so kind to me. You know I got involved because Don Porter asked me and Don Porter is a dear friend, and so Don Porter retires, christy takes over and was elected into this and now is the CEO and she has done so much social media with 2RG and is really on it. That's the reason why this podcast is really because of her and Don. It's really because of her and Don. He started the future. And then all of a sudden I told ARA, sandy Blaylock and Nick and I said we would do our best at each and every one of these podcasts that we would remind people of the upcoming conference in Reno, nevada, october 23rd through the 26th. I got myself a good handicap room, yeah yeah, hey, don't forget now.
Speaker 2:Okay, so think about it. Kirstie has just been elevated to CEO Sandy, God bless. I mean, I've known her forever. She has been a yard owner, a participant in the industry, on the board president of, has been a cornerstone of our industry and it's just going to be an awesome celebration at ARA for Sandy and all the women. Lyra is going to be outstanding. That's the ladies of auto recycling. That luncheon they do whenever they're going to do it is going to be amazing. I'm going to try to sneak in the back door on that one.
Speaker 1:Good luck on that. Yeah, I don't think it's going to happen, but I think Sandy Blaylock has done so much for the industry and I hope they recognize her for everything she's done at this one, because she really is a true gift. You know, when you start thinking about some of these people that have definitely been involved in so much, like a Sandy Blaylock and like you know all these other people I'm looking at my notes here and I cannot express to our listeners how important it is to be in Reno and when you're there, go by and visit the exhibitors. The exhibitors make it so that we all can attend and they participate and they pay, you know, for space in their booth. So when you go by, go by and visit them. I know I enjoyed. You know Collins, brian Collins from Commercial, oh yeah, he's like you. He stands in front of his booth and talks to everybody because, boy, how's it going? Dj, how you been.
Speaker 2:He's been around man. That's the thing, the friendships. It goes beyond business. Last weekend I was up at Arnie. I was hanging out with the guys from Elemental, connor and Sean and just a host of other people. You're a vendor recycler, I just hey. I got texted overnight my friends from Australia and New Zealand Peter Butler from New Zealand and Brent and Chris Dagless from Australia. I love our international contingent that comes over.
Speaker 1:I mean this is we're just going to have too much fun. Yeah, now you just named some real good guysris georgia clobber, I mean all just. I mean, chris himself is just a wonderful guy. He's been on the podcast and of course, I was on his podcast, but he is. He's another person that just gives openly and anything he could do to help you, he's there.
Speaker 2:No, holds barred with him. Yes, it's an amazing thing. I've met him at a URG conference and literally from the first five minutes that we were engaged in discussion with a few of the people I knew this guy A is the real deal. B, I want to be his compadre, his paisan, and he's a great guy. We have so much fun Well.
Speaker 1:Buddy Automotive, mike, he to me. I got to tell you this. He and I met each other when he was working for Lenny Damron. Oh yeah, At LKQ I was doing training and he's in the back on a computer just doing Lenny's work. That's how long we've known each other and I thought I went back with him.
Speaker 2:I'd met him in 1995. That's before that.
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah yeah, oh, yeah that was before that and he was back there by himself and it was just it was after hours and here he is, big as he is, like sitting there doing this computer work. I came by, lenny introduced me to him, we said hi to each other, then later on we had a Coke together and then he was heading back to the hotel and I said could I follow you so I know where I'm going? He said by all means. And when we get there he was so kind, he goes. Before you go to bed, you want a nightcap?
Speaker 1:And I thought boy, yes, and he and I have been friends. I get teary-eyed thinking about it.
Speaker 2:How many years Mike has stayed at our house.
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah, I've been to his home in Colorado, right.
Speaker 2:Oh, my gosh Garden of the Gods in the backyard. I mean, he's a credit to the industry. I actually, when I introduced him at our event in May here in Rhode Island, I introduced him as an auto savant Because he is brilliant. I mean, I tell him sometimes you're out there, mike, but you're, you're brilliant in what you do inventory data vehicles uh, unbelievable I gotta tell a lot of the listeners when you go out to visit mike at his home in colorado, when he tells you springs, yeah, colorado springs when he watch out for the deer.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I had to shoot three deer away from my car so I could get in the car to drive out the driveway. I'm over there talking to them like they're little puppy dogs, and these are two, you know, medium-sized deer, no horns on them, and they come over and they're trying to see if. I have any food in my car Right.
Speaker 2:Oh my gosh.
Speaker 1:This is a rental car, just step back. Let me get in.
Speaker 2:Right, don't scratch the paint.
Speaker 1:Oh my Lord, yeah, he's a wonderful guy and those are the people you see, and the networking that goes on at this conference is vital. All right, we'll take our last break when we come back. Paul D'Adamo and I will give you a summation of all about Reno, October 23rd through the 26th, Outing Beautiful, beautiful Nevada. All right, take a break.
Speaker 3:The URG Scholarship Foundation was founded in 2014 in honor of individuals who give their talent, time and, very often, their own finances, to ensure the growth and success of the automotive recycling industry. We understand college is not for everyone, so each year the Foundation offers substantial financial scholarships to auto recycling employees and the children of employees that are attending four-year and technical or trade schools, to assist with their education. Don't leave money on the table. If you have a child or if you're interested in attending continuing education, this money is available to you. Go to u-r-gcom and click on the Scholarship Foundation tab. Urg keeping our industry strong through education.
Speaker 1:Welcome back listeners. Of course you know you're listening to the number one podcast. In the automotive recycling industry, urg on the go. This is DJ Harrington. I cannot thank you enough. Please remember to like and review and share with your fellow recyclers this podcast. If you want to hear another industry expert, like a Tom Andre or a Shannon Nordstrom or a JC Cahill, rob Rainwater, mike Cockle, all you got to do is dial 706-409-5603 and let us know At URG Central.
Speaker 1:Right here in our podcast center. We'd be happy to go get that recycler and put them on, because we've had some great podcasts. Boy Snyder, dan Snyder was on, and when I tell people how many people have downloaded and listened to Dan Snyder's podcast Because everything's archived, paul and Dan Snyder's is the most listened to podcast as soon as I told that to JC Cahill then he has to go out and promote his so that we're all listening to his episode, but no one has caught up to Snyder. Snyder's was just well done. I think if we had a Shannon Nordstrom on, it'll be a run for Dan Snyder's money there.
Speaker 2:There you go. Hey, little competition doesn't hurt when you're trying to promote good information and good people, and those guys are all friends of mine. Lots of respect, and that's the beauty of our industry.
Speaker 1:They're wonderful people, Generous. Yes, when we went to services for Bill Weaver and you and I sat there and we started talking about Tunnel for Towers, I cannot believe the reception we got from tunnel to towers. And in April at the URG conference in Florida, they will be there and so, yeah, I mean it's going to be a big celebration and maybe Jelly Roll will come and receive the vehicles on behalf of Tunnel to Towers. We'll see what happens, but all of us are very concerned. We want to see you out in Reno October 23rd through the 26th for the 81st Annual Conference and Expo for ARA. So, Paul, your parting shots. Why should some people come to ARA and what could they learn?
Speaker 2:Well, I'm going to go back to the NBWA, the graduate degree management, by walking around. We've got exhibitors walk through, prioritize who you must see. Walk through, prioritize who you must see. Seminars, lots of information, after hours networking, there's going to be great food and you might have time for gambling, but that's not why we're there. Life in the auto recycling business buying cars, selling cars enough of a gamble for me. But MBWA management by walking around, learning and returning to your business with ideas to not only prosper and be profitable but to hopefully eliminate redoing the wheel, so to speak. Learn from others.
Speaker 1:Well, I'm going to tell you that Peppermill Resort in Reno, nevada, was voted the number one casino in the area, so I know you're going to have a lot of people that want to bet and gamble by all means It'll be a lucky day for you Now that I'm fighting my cold here.
Speaker 1:But can I ask all of you, don't gamble with your future. Just be in Reno, nevada. That's the whole game plan, and Amber is going to be fantastic. I'll be able to catch up with my dear friend Shannon Nordstrom and David Gold. All of these people will be there and, just like when I was talking to you the other day, paul, you think about the executive committee at ara. You could not find a finer group of people no, no, uh, progressive, you know.
Speaker 2:Uh, the new guys Sean Krause, tom Shannon, I mean, they're just the pipeline and he honestly it's whether it's the area executive board or the URG board of directors, like with Jake Jr, count Catalano and all the others We've got some great leadership. These aren't old, backroom stuffy kind of guys, these are people that are out in the industry, readily accessible. I don't care how. If it's just a two-man operation that you run, you can talk to anybody and they'll talk to you. Yep.
Speaker 1:Yep, and make sure and I agree with you make sure you're eating meals. Don't eat meals with the person you came with. You already know that person. Go and sit with somebody you don't know and find out about how they paid their dismantlers. Find out what they're doing. Find out new things they're doing. What are some of the fire prevention items they're doing and who did they learn from? Are they doing the ARA University? Get involved, and the more you learn of the benefits of being a member of ARA, then all of a sudden, then you say, oh, maybe I should be a member. And if you're not a member of ARA, and all of a sudden, then you say, oh, maybe I should be a member, and if you're not a member of ARA, you should be.
Speaker 2:Yeah, for sure.
Speaker 1:Yeah, all right, my friend, last parting words I'll give to you MBWA man, let's do it.
Speaker 2:You come see me, we'll do the walk around together. Man, let's do it. You come see me, we'll do the walk around together, whatever it takes, whether you're a two-man operation or 200-man, come out to ARA in Reno, enjoy your time, learn and let's all prosper.
Speaker 1:You got it, my friend and Paul D'Adamo, I cannot thank you enough. I will come by, raz, and see how you're doing.
Speaker 2:Spin the wheel. Spin the wheel at the Raz booth.
Speaker 1:Spin the wheel, my luck. What do you get? A pair of socks as a consolation gift.
Speaker 2:I don't want to give it away. We actually have a number of prizes, yeah, and I might have my name on there if you win me, who knows?
Speaker 1:Oh, you can come over and help clean my garage oh, I hey I'm an organizational nut.
Speaker 2:I'd have that wrapped up in a half a day my wife would love that hey, tell her I have artwork hanging in our garage.
Speaker 1:My wife and I are the same way um, we like neat, clean and organized, so yeah, no problem boy, oh boy, yeah, in my garage from before I had black and white tiles down and and I all my everything was put in a right place and, of course, here in the senior citizen place. Uh, I got everything jam-packed in the garage.
Speaker 1:My wife would say we went from a 6,000 square foot home to 2,300. There's a big difference. Oh yeah, so it goes All right. All our listeners from Paul D'Adamo and myself will see you in Reno, nevada October 23rd through the 26th and we'll see you there.