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 EV challenges, and why recyclers must be involved whenever legislation affects the automotive lifecycle.

Whether you're a yard owner, manager, supplier, or simply interested in where the industry is headed, this conversation offers practical insight from someone who's seen both sides of the business.

Special thanks to our sponsors

ARI Sales Assistant — Never miss another sales opportunity. Contact Kirk Monger at [email protected] to learn how AI is helping recyclers answer every call, capture leads, and close more business.

YardSmart — Modern yard management software built specifically for self-service recyclers. Visit yardsmartapp.com to schedule a demo and mention ARA Unscripted for the special offer.

If you enjoy these conversations, subscribe to ARA Unscripted for more discussions with leaders shaping the future of automotive recycling.

#AutoRecycling #Leadership #CircularEconomy #Automotive #EV #BusinessPodcast #ARAUnscripted

00:00 Introduction & Sponsors
02:18 Wally Dingman's Journey into Auto Recycling
06:30 Transitioning from Recycler to Association Executive
14:00 Why Canada Has Two National Recycling Associations
15:58 Cash for Clunkers: Successes, Lessons & Unintended Consequences
17:18 Building Stronger Regional Associations Across Canada
19:25 Why Auto Recyclers Must Have a Seat at the Legislative Table
24:30 Vehicle Donation Programs & Consumer Vehicle Acquisition
30:45 Cross-Border Parts Sales, Tariffs & Canada–U.S. Trade
40:15 EV Batteries, Regulation & Producer Responsibility
54:20 The Public Image Problem Facing Auto Recyclers
01:03:30 Succession Planning & the Next Generation of Recyclers
01:12:45 AI, Technology & the Future of the Industry
01:24:45 Working with Government Without Losing Your Voice
01:33:20 Leadership, Industry Advocacy & Building Consensus
01:40:30 Why Ego Has No Place in Leadership

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 discusses leadership, operational excellence, marketing, industry partnerships, and how Pete's continues to thrive in a challenging market.

The conversation dives into retail growth strategies, recycler-to-recycler sales, Facebook Marketplace marketing, customer payment policies, quality standards, AI tools, workforce development, and the future of automotive recycling.

Whether you're an auto recycler, business owner, or industry professional, Amber offers practical insights on adapting, growing, and staying competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace.

Today's episode is brought to you by ari's Sales Assistant.

Every missed call is a missed opportunity. ari's Sales Assistant uses AI-powered voice technology to answer incoming calls, capture customer information, qualify leads, and help your team convert more opportunities—even when your staff is busy or unavailable.

The best part? It integrates directly with your existing workflow and ensures every customer inquiry gets the attention it deserves.

Learn more by contacting Kirk Monger at [email protected]

Learn more about the Automotive Recyclers Association:

Automotive Recyclers Association

Follow ARA on social media for industry news, advocacy updates, educational resources, and future episodes of ARA Unscripted.

00:00 Introduction & Why Vince Is Recording at Pete's Auto Parts

03:00 The ARTI Scholarship Dinner Experience

05:00 Pete's Auto Parts Hits Another Record Month

06:30 Why Amber Fired Customers Who Didn't Pay On Time

08:00 The Power of Recycler-to-Reycler Sales

09:30 Growing Retail Sales Through Marketing

10:00 Facebook Marketplace Successes and Challenges

12:00 Adapting to Change in Automotive Recycling

13:00 Leadership Lessons and Company Culture

17:00 The History of Pete's Auto Parts

25:00 Building a Business Through Relationships

35:00 Industry Involvement and ARA Leadership

50:00 Technology, AI, and Customer Service

1:02:00 How AI Is Helping Capture More Sales Opportunities

1:10:00 Workforce Development and Team Building

1:17:00 The Importance of State Associations

1:19:00 Music, Concerts, and Life Outside the Business

#ARAUnscripted #AutoRecycling #AmberKendrick #PeteAutoParts #AutomotiveRecyclers #UsedAutoParts #Leadership #SmallBusiness #AI #AutomotiveIndustry

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).

ari helps automotive recyclers capture more opportunities by ensuring every customer call gets answered — even when your team is busy or your yard is closed. ari's Sales Assistant works 24/7, speaking the language of auto recycling, qualifying leads, and helping recyclers convert missed calls into real revenue.

To learn more about how ari can help your business capture more sales opportunities, visit ariintel.com or contact Kirk Monger at [email protected].

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health in the Workplace

03:04 Understanding the Role of Managers

05:53 Identifying Stress vs. Mental Health Issues

08:44 Coping Mechanisms and Their Importance

11:40 Recognizing Red Flags in Employees

14:54 Approaching Employees with Concern

17:53 Employer Responsibilities and Ethical Considerations

20:41 Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health

23:40 Crisis Management in the Workplace

26:39 Creating a Supportive Workplace Culture

29:38 The Importance of Self-Care for Employers

32:41 Resources for Employers and Conclusion

Resources:

Surgeon General's Mental Health in the Workplace Guide - https://www.hhs.gov/mental-health-workplace-guide

American Psychological Association - https://www.apa.org

Mental Health America - https://www.mhanational.org

Guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelfarrar

Website - https://rachelfarrar.com

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 family built Nordstrom’s Automotive through multiple generations of change, and what leadership, faith, responsibility, and service really look like over the long haul.

We also dive into:
• The origins of Under the Hood
• Building a nationally syndicated automotive media brand
• The evolution of the recycling industry
• Why adaptability matters more than ever
• Industry leadership and giving back
• Family business dynamics across generations
• What Shannon believes the future of automotive recycling looks like

This ended up being less of an interview and more of an honest conversation about legacy, entrepreneurship, and building something that lasts.

⸻

Sponsored by Yard Smart

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• Retail + scrap point of sale
• Native admissions process in one system

One of the things recyclers consistently say about Yard Smart is how responsive they are. If your suggestion makes sense, they’ll build it.

Learn more or book a demo:
https://yardsmartapp.com

Mention this episode and they’ll waive the setup fee and give you your first month free. Offer valid for one year from the episode air date.

⸻

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Intro — Who Is Shannon Nordstrom?
00:51 Sponsor — Yard Smart
01:34 Growing Up in the Automotive Recycling Industry
06:07 The Nordstrom Family Story & Dairy Farm Origins
09:03 Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Family Legacy
20:57 Service, Leadership & Giving Back
23:19 Faith, Responsibility & Perspective
31:45 Building Nordstrom’s Automotive Into a Modern Operation
43:12 Industry Change & Adapting to New Markets
56:36 Why the Repairable Vehicle Business Changed
57:09 The Origins of Under the Hood Radio
58:14 Building a Nationally Syndicated Radio Show
01:17:11 Turning Under the Hood Into a Media Business
01:28:42 Leadership Lessons & Industry Relationships
01:42:30 The Future of Automotive Recycling
01:54:18 Family, Legacy & Multi-Generation Business
02:03:01 Shannon’s Mother’s Book & Preserving Family History
02:08:44 Final Thoughts

⸻

Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping the automotive recycling industry.

#AutomotiveRecycling #AutoRecycling #ARAUnscripted #ShannonNordstrom #UnderTheHood #RecycledParts #SalvageYard #AutomotiveIndustry

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 one to watch.

Chapters:
00:00 – “You’re Not Losing Cars… You’re Losing Value”
02:10 – From Collision Shop to Parts Pioneer
08:00 – The Shift That Changed Everything
13:00 – “Break Your Own Business First”
17:00 – The Insurance Deal That Shook the Industry
24:00 – Industry Backlash & Real Pressure
31:30 – Leaving the Family Business & Starting Fresh
40:00 – What Hasn’t Changed in 30 Years
49:00 – The Biggest Missed Opportunity in Recycling
56:30 – Why You’re Throwing Away Valuable Parts
01:01:00 – AI: What’s Real vs What’s Hype
01:07:00 – The 40% Missed Call Problem
01:13:00 – Using AI to Increase Sales
01:20:00 – Embedded vs Fragmented AI
01:30:00 – Training, Data, and Better Decisions
01:40:00 – Where the Industry Is Headed

Sponsored by YardSmart
Learn more: yardsmartapp.com/schedule-a-demo

Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping the auto recycling industry.

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 industry’s biggest challenges.

This conversation goes beyond parts—it’s about how auto recyclers can shift from selling inventory to delivering solutions, adapt to changing demand, and capture untapped market opportunities.

This episode is brought to you by YardSmart—a yard management system built specifically for self‑serve yards and the people who run them.

Book a demo at yardsmartapp.com/schedule‑a‑demo, email [email protected], or call (888) 906‑9273.

Mention this ad and YardSmart will waive the setup fee and give you your first month free. (offer expires 1 year from this episode air date.)

🔑 Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

• The evolution of the auto recycling industry
• How OEM partnerships are changing the game
• The “void” opportunity in recycled auto parts
• Why chain of custody and VIN-level tracking matter
• The rise of electronics and complex parts
• How recyclers can increase margins and capture more value
• The future of digital parts selling and VIN-based systems

⏱ Chapters:

00:00 Intro
01:27 Building a Recycling Business From Scratch
05:10 The Power of Relationships in Auto Recycling
08:20 How the Industry Has Evolved Over Time
12:05 The Call That Changed Everything (AER Story)
15:40 The Core Program: A $100M Opportunity
20:10 Chain of Custody & VIN-Level Traceability
24:05 From Parts to Solutions: Working with OEMs
28:15 The “Void” Opportunity Explained
33:05 Flipping the Parts Pyramid
37:10 Why Recyclers Are Leaving Money on the Table
41:20 The Real Problem: Not Listening to Customers
45:05 KarKey & the Future of Parts Selling
49:10 Margin Compression & Industry Pressure
52:00 The Parts “Pandemic” & Supply Chain Gaps
55:10 The Biggest Mistake: Slow Adoption
58:00 Why the Future of Auto Recycling Is Strong

💡 Why This Episode Matters:
Auto recyclers are sitting at the center of a major shift in the automotive industry. As supply chains tighten and vehicles become more complex, the role of recycled parts—and the businesses that supply them—is becoming more critical than ever.

This episode breaks down where the industry is heading and how recyclers can position themselves to win.

🔗 Learn More About ARA:
https://www.a-r-a.org/

👍 If you found this valuable, make sure to:

• Like the video
• Subscribe to the channel
• Share with someone in the industry

#AutoRecycling #UsedAutoParts #CircularEconomy #AutomotiveIndustry #OEM #SupplyChain #ARA #AutoRecyclers

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 moments, mentors, and missteps that shaped his journey.

They talk about customer service, associations, succession, the power of storytelling, and why curiosity and gratitude matter more than having a perfectly planned path.

This episode is packed with lessons for recyclers, leaders, and anyone navigating change—because life, and careers, are rarely a straight line.

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 and AI, and why the next phase of success won’t come from growth at all costs—but from sharper execution when times get tough.

This episode is sponsored by Online Parts Depot. Visit them today at www.onlinepartsdepot.net or contact them at [email protected]

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 is built (and protected), and what Brett has learned working across industries like automotive retail, roofing, HVAC, and automotive recycling.

The conversation also dives into leadership, mental health, personal loss, purpose, and why being present, curious, and authentic has been the foundation of Bret’s success.

This episode isn’t a pitch—it’s an honest discussion about business, life, and doing things the right way.

This episode is brought to you by VinMatchPro, built specifically to support auto recyclers by helping them make confident decisions from the very start.

See VinMatchPro in action. Email [email protected] or call 978‑413‑7170 to set up a demo.