U-R-G On the Go

Discover the fascinating journey of Daurio Auto Truck, a family-run business with a history that dates back to 1957. In this episode, we sit down with Greg Daurio, who shares his grandfather's story of starting with a tow truck and evolving into a 26-acre automotive recycling powerhouse. We explore the importance of adaptability in business amid changing industry demands and the ongoing chall...

Unlock the secrets of maximizing your automotive recycling business potential with insights from our vibrant URG On the Go podcast! Join hosts DJ Harrington and Amanda Morrison, along with our special guest Kristen Alexander, as we share our adventures from top industry events like the National Auto Body Council Gala and the Profit Team meetings. Discover the power of networking and the myriad ben...

What happens when you mix a fourth-generation automotive recycler with a fresh business perspective? Blake Roberts joins us to share his intriguing journey from a family entrenched in the recycling industry to finding his own path through education and an eye-opening internship. Discover how Blake's early reluctance transformed into ambition, leading him back to Kansas City to revolutionize o...

What if your family's small repair shop could evolve into a $50 million auto recycling powerhouse? Join us as we uncover this remarkable journey with Matt Cramer, Dakota Reinert, Doug, and JR from Chuck's Auto Part Solutions. They share their story of transforming a modest repair operation started in 1972 into a thriving enterprise, detailing key milestones like expanding to a new locati...

Discover how Davyd Silkovskky from A Plus Auto, along with his brothers, is redefining automotive recycling with a revolutionary approach. We explore their innovative business model at A Plus Auto, which specializes in dismantling newer vehicles, targeting models from 2019 and selectively going back to 2017 for certain German makes. This episode highlights their journey from Michigan to Kentucky,...

Discover the heartwarming legacy of the automotive recycling industry as Jason Howell from All Imports in Fort Worth takes us on a journey through his family's rich history. With roots dating back to his great-grandfather's entrepreneurial spirit, Jason's story is one of passion and perseverance. We explore his transition from radio, television, and film studies to carving his niche...

What if the secrets to a successful automotive recycling business lay in a pharmacy background? Join us for an engaging conversation with Tom Bessler, a seasoned veteran of the automotive recycling industry who started his journey in 1985 alongside his brother Joe. You’ll hear how they transformed Bessler Auto Parts from modest beginnings into a thriving business, eventually transitioning to new v...

Explore the compelling journey of Kelly Roepke from Y-Yard in Illinois as she transitions from a career in teaching to a pivotal role in the automotive recycling industry. Gain insights into the origins of her family's business, established in 1970, and her experiences growing up immersed in auctions and operations. As a newly appointed board member of URG, Kelly shares her passion for drivin...

Discover the insider secrets of the automotive recycling industry with our special guest, Mike Kunkle, as he shares invaluable insights on the upcoming ARA convention in Reno. Together with my co-host Amanda Morrison, we dissect the power of collaboration between organizations like URG and ARA, and how this unity can steer the industry through economic hurdles. Mike provides an intriguing glimpse...

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 y...

What if you could transform a family business into a community pillar through sheer dedication and innovation? Damian from Glenn's Car and Truck joins us to share his compelling journey growing up in an industry pioneered by his Yugoslavian immigrant grandfather. From early inventory days to steering the sales division, Damian paints a vivid picture of how quality and customer satisfaction ha...

Curious how a small family business can grow into a massive industry leader? Join us as we chat with John Catalano Jr. of Bionic Auto Parts, who shares his dynamic journey from inheriting his family's three-acre auto parts business to expanding it into a sprawling 15-acre facility in Chicago, with a recent expansion into Milwaukee. John’s story is full of personal anecdotes about growing up i...

Discover the secrets to transforming your automotive recycling business with our latest episode featuring John Cahill, better known as JC from VinMatchPro. With years of experience as a consultant and CEO, JC offers a treasure trove of insights into optimizing recycling operations. From addressing family dynamics to uncovering new profitability opportunities, JC's expertise promises to guide...

Eric Downer, the Director of End-of-Life Feedstock at Cyclic Materials, joins us to unravel the complex world of automotive recycling. Eric delves into the innovative strategies Cyclic Materials employs to recycle hard-to-recycle EV components, such as those from hybrid transmissions and traction motors. Hear the compelling story of how the company was founded with a mission to address these recyc...

Are you ready to unlock the secrets behind a successful family-run business in the automotive recycling industry? Join us as we sit down with Amber Kendrick from Pete's Auto Parts, who shares an intriguing story of resilience, innovation, and collaboration. Discover how Pete's Auto Parts, founded by Amber’s grandfather in the 1950s, transformed from a towing service to a flourishing auto...

What if your business could not only survive but thrive in the post-COVID landscape? This episode of URG On the Go promises to equip you with transformative insights. Join us as we welcome Richard Flint, a seasoned expert, who breaks down the five critical areas where COVID-19 has reshaped traditional business operations. From shifting mindsets towards future readiness to the validation of leaders...

Unlock the latest industry insights and member benefits with Kristen Alexander, Director of Sales and Marketing, and Amanda Morrison, Director of Member and Vendor Relations at URG. Curious about the new Carfax hotkey or how VINmatch Pro can revolutionize your workflow? Amanda breaks it all down, stressing the importance of staying in the loop through our newsletters and e-blasts. Kristen brings e...

Get ready to uncover the secrets behind successful automotive recycling as Doug Williams, General Manager of Eagle Auto Parts, joins us to share his remarkable journey. From an 18-wheeler driver to the owner of an established yard, Doug recounts the rich history of Eagle Auto Parts, founded by Tom and Marie Beam in 1978. Discover how Doug transformed the business from a two-person operation to an...

When I think about the legendary Bill Weaver, I'm reminded of the sheer power one individual's relentless spirit of giving can have on an entire industry. Alongside Paul D'Adamo, we recount the unforgettable moments where Bill's antics in shirt auctions and his gratitude-infused philanthropy raised not only funds but also the spirits of everyone around him. Remembering Bill tak...

Embark on a journey of transformation with Pat Husesers, the mastermind behind a once modest garage project that has since burgeoned into a 130-acre automotive recycling empire. As Amanda Morrison and DJ Harrington, chat with Pat, you're guaranteed to glean a wealth of knowledge on navigating challenges and strategic scaling that can revolutionize your perspective on the automotive recycling...

Join the conversation with Amanda and Kristen from URG, as we spotlight the significance of the URG conference in St. Louis—a pivotal event for the automotive recycling industry. The excitement is palpable as we discuss how this conference marks a milestone for networking, learning, and growth. But that's not all! We're also honored to share the story of Jason from Holbrook Auto Parts, a...

Fasten your seat belts and prepare to turbocharge your industry knowledge because my good friend Paul D'Adamo from RAS joins me, DJ Harrington – your heart-pumping cardiologist of the airwaves – to explore the dynamic world of automotive recycling. We're not just talking shop; we're sharing the lifeblood of our industry, from the pages of Recycle Power Source straight to the anticip...

Prepare to unlock the secrets of revolutionizing your automotive recycling business as Aiden and Brian from Cash for Cars join us to break down the game-changing Direct Buy Portal. You'll get an insider look at how this platform is not just simplifying transactions between sellers and partners, but also introducing a dynamic bidding system that's savvy to the real condition of vehicles,...

Embark on an exploration of the automotive recycling world with Matt Carman, the young CEO who's steering Lentini Auto Salvage into the future. At 31, Matt carries the legacy of a family business that's been thriving since 1941, and in our latest episode, he unpacks the triumphs and trials of expansion, the balance of family dynamics with a 63-strong workforce, and the personal tales tha...

Join us as we catch the pulse of the auto recycling industry with Mike Kunkel, ARA Man of the Year, in a conversation that's as enlightening as it is electrifying. Mike opens up about his ascension in the auto recycling realm and how pivotal the URG conferences have been in steering his career trajectory. The upcoming URG conference in April is more than a mere meet-up; it's a historic c...