ARA Unscripted

For nearly 40 years, Wally Dingman built and operated one of Canada's respected recycling businesses. Today, as Executive Director of the Automotive Recyclers of Canada, he's working to help shape the future of the industry. In this episode of ARA Unscripted , Wally shares lessons from growing a family business, transitioning into association leadership, navigating government policy, preparing for...

In this episode of ARA Unscripted, Vince Edivan sits down with Amber Kendrick, owner of Pete's Auto Parts in Michigan and one of the most respected voices in automotive recycling. Amber shares the story of Pete's Auto Parts—from its beginnings as a small towing operation started by her grandfather to becoming one of the industry's highest-performing recycling businesses. Along the way, she discuss...

In this insightful interview, mental health expert Rachel Farrar discusses the importance of mental health awareness in the workplace, how managers can identify red flags, and practical strategies to support employee well-being. Discover how fostering a supportive culture can enhance productivity and prevent crises. This episode of ARA Unscripted is sponsored by Auto Recycler Intelligence (ari). a...

Most people in the automotive recycling industry know Shannon Nordstrom as the President of the Automotive Recyclers Association, the owner of Nordstrom’s Automotive, or the voice behind the nationally syndicated Under the Hood radio show. But this conversation goes much deeper than titles. In this episode of ARA Unscripted, Shannon talks about growing up on a South Dakota dairy farm, how his fami...

Most recyclers think they need more cars. Chris Daglis says you need to get more out of the ones you already have. In this episode of ARA Unscripted, Chris shares real-world insights from decades in the industry—covering everything from insurer partnerships and missed revenue opportunities to how AI is reshaping operations inside the yard. If you’re serious about improving your business, this is o...

In this episode of ARA Unscripted , we sit down with Benny Cunningham of Cunningham Brothers Auto Parts to explore how the auto recycling industry is evolving—and where the biggest opportunities lie ahead. From the early days of family-run yards to today’s complex supply chains, Benny shares insights on OEM partnerships, core programs, and why recyclers are uniquely positioned to solve some of the...

In this episode of  ARA Unscripted , Vince sits down with industry icon  Paul D'Adamo, “Pauly D”  for an honest, engaging conversation about leadership, reinvention, and finding purpose along the way. From a shy kid turned public speaker… to building, cleaning up, and selling an auto recycling business… to becoming a national voice for safety during the Takata airbag recall, Paul shares the moment...

In this episode of  ARA Unscripted , Vince sits down with Scott Robertson—past ARA president and lifelong automotive recycler—for a candid conversation about the evolution of the industry, today’s economic pressures, and what lies ahead.

In this episode, we sit down with  Mike Kunkel of Profit Team Consulting  for a candid conversation about the realities facing auto recyclers today. From tighter margins and rising salvage costs to auction dynamics, private equity pressure, and operational discipline, Mike shares hard‑earned insights from decades in the industry. We also explore lessons from consolidation, the impact of technology...

In this episode, Vince sits down with Bret Buick of National Reinsurance for a wide‑ranging, candid conversation that goes far beyond insurance. Bret shares his unconventional journey—from the Navy and emergency medicine to the automotive world—and how those experiences shaped his people‑first approach to business. Together, they unpack why relationships matter more than products, how reputation i...

In this powerful and wide‑ranging conversation, ARA Past President and Northlake Auto Recyclers owner Marty Hollingshead shares an extraordinary personal journey shaped by grit, loss, patriotism, and five decades of experience in the auto recycling industry. From his family’s World War II story and lifelong dedication to supporting veterans, to his early days pulling parts in Chicago yards, to ult...

In this episode of ARA Unscripted , JC shares his real, unfiltered journey into entrepreneurship and automotive recycling. From early side hustles and hard business lessons to leadership, risk-taking, and adapting when plans change, this conversation dives into what it really takes to build something that lasts.

Emil Nusbaum is ARA's VP of Strategy & Government Affairs, and in this episode, I sit down with Emil to trace his unique journey into the automotive recycling industry—an origin story that starts long before his role at ARA. From growing up around the business to shaping national conversations on policy, safety, and sustainability, Emil shares how experience, timing, and curiosity have positio...

Peace Ike is a culture consultant. When she saw cultural division in her Philadelphia neighborhood, she took action. And what started out a social experiment of inviting strangers into her home share a meal and talk about controversial topics, evolved into The Better Method - a six part relational framework that empowers leaders, and teams to overcome difficulties, and differences and build lastin...

On this episode I speak with Greg Condon. Greg is the owner of Condon‘s Auto Parts in Westminster Maryland. He’s a third generation auto recycler and he’s the founder of the Professional Salvage Yard Information Forum on Facebook which has over 4000 members dozens of posts every day and we’re a lot of us get information about day-to-day operations.

My first guest is well known in the automotive recycling industry. He’s a past president of ARA. He’s a third generation auto recycler and CEO of M&M Auto Parts in Fredericksburg Virginia. He serves with the Virginia automotive recyclers association and as president of the Automotive Recyclers Training Institute. Jono is a husband, a father he’s a man of faith and he’s my friend. I hope you en...