ARA Unscripted

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 likeThis ended up being less of an interview and more of an honest conversation about legacy, entrepreneurship, and building something that lasts.⸻Sponsored by Yard SmartIf you’re tired of being locked into contracts or being told you need all new equipment, check out Yard Smart — the yard management platform built for self-serve yards.• No contracts• Use your current hardware• Integrated credit card processing available• Retail + scrap point of sale• Native admissions process in one systemOne 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.comMention 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.⸻TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro — Who Is Shannon Nordstrom?00:51 Sponsor — Yard Smart01:34 Growing Up in the Automotive Recycling Industry06:07 The Nordstrom Family Story & Dairy Farm Origins09:03 Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Family Legacy20:57 Service, Leadership & Giving Back23:19 Faith, Responsibility & Perspective31:45 Building Nordstrom’s Automotive Into a Modern Operation43:12 Industry Change & Adapting to New Markets56:36 Why the Repairable Vehicle Business Changed57:09 The Origins of Under the Hood Radio58:14 Building a Nationally Syndicated Radio Show01:17:11 Turning Under the Hood Into a Media Business01:28:42 Leadership Lessons & Industry Relationships01:42:30 The Future of Automotive Recycling01:54:18 Family, Legacy & Multi-Generation Business02:03:01 Shannon’s Mother’s Book & Preserving Family History02:08:44 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 Pioneer08:00 – The Shift That Changed Everything13:00 – “Break Your Own Business First”17:00 – The Insurance Deal That Shook the Industry24:00 – Industry Backlash & Real Pressure31:30 – Leaving the Family Business & Starting Fresh40:00 – What Hasn’t Changed in 30 Years49:00 – The Biggest Missed Opportunity in Recycling56:30 – Why You’re Throwing Away Valuable Parts01:01:00 – AI: What’s Real vs What’s Hype01:07:00 – The 40% Missed Call Problem01:13:00 – Using AI to Increase Sales01:20:00 – Embedded vs Fragmented AI01:30:00 – Training, Data, and Better Decisions01:40:00 – Where the Industry Is HeadedSponsored by YardSmartLearn more: yardsmartapp.com/schedule-a-demoSubscribe 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 industryHow OEM partnerships are changing the gameThe “void” opportunity in recycled auto partsWhy chain of custody and VIN-level tracking matterThe rise of electronics and complex partsHow recyclers can increase margins and capture more valueThe future of digital parts selling and VIN-based systems⏱ Chapters:00:00 Intro01:27 Building a Recycling Business From Scratch05:10 The Power of Relationships in Auto Recycling08:20 How the Industry Has Evolved Over Time12:05 The Call That Changed Everything (AER Story)15:40 The Core Program: A $100M Opportunity20:10 Chain of Custody & VIN-Level Traceability24:05 From Parts to Solutions: Working with OEMs28:15 The “Void” Opportunity Explained33:05 Flipping the Parts Pyramid37:10 Why Recyclers Are Leaving Money on the Table41:20 The Real Problem: Not Listening to Customers45:05 KarKey & the Future of Parts Selling49:10 Margin Compression & Industry Pressure52:00 The Parts “Pandemic” & Supply Chain Gaps55:10 The Biggest Mistake: Slow Adoption58:00 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 videoSubscribe to the channelShare 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.

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 ultimately becoming one of the industry's strongest voices for leadership, mentorship, and operational excellence — Marty offers insight after insight on business, consistency, customer service, industry evolution, technology, and the future of recycling. Along the way, listeners get a candid look at the hockey‑playing, carpentry‑skilled, storytelling personality that has made Marty a respected mentor and ARA past president. This is an episode packed with history, humor, passion, and wisdom that every recycler — and every business owner — should hear.

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 positioned him at the center of some of the industry’s most important work. We’ll look back at where he came from, unpack the impact he’s making today, and explore what’s ahead for automotive recycling in 2026 and beyond.

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 lasting trust and healthy collaboration. If you’re interested in learning what makes employees shut down, what makes them open up, you’re gonna want to hear what she has to say.

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 enjoy listening to this conversation as much as I did having it.