SPOTLIGHT ON EXCELLENCE

Robertson’s Auto Salvage

Following Bill Gates’ Lead to Succeed

S

cott Roberston Jr., owner of Robertson’s Auto Salvage, Wareham, Mass., does not have Gates’ name recognition – or his fortune – but the two share a common philosophy about business competition and success.

Robertson’s, a family-owned and operated salvage yard since 1969, has survived and pros- pered through at least half a

dozen recessions, the Arab oil embargo of the 1970s, the Clean Water Act, depressed scrap prices and more. Founded by the current owner’s father, uncle and grandfather, Robertson’s is a lesson in staying nimble. “It’s a constant evolution in a salvage yard,” Robert- son says. “You have to change with the times to be able to make money.”

Originally established to supply parts to the family’s gas and repair station in Boston, Robertson’s transi- tioned totally to the salvage business when the oil com- pany reclaimed ownership of the gas station. In the ensuing four and a half decades, Robertson’s has sold repairable wrecks; established, participated in and eventually closed a salvage pool; launched a GMC deal- ership that continues today and opened and subse- quently closed two additional salvage yards.

BY LYNN NOVELLI

“A company’s ability to respond to an unplanned event, good or bad, is a prime

indicator of its ability to compete.” —Bill Gates, Microsoft founder and former CEO

Through all the changes inside and out, Robertson’s continues to supply repair shops, body shops, insur- ance companies and other wholesale customers in New England and coast to coast from its tightly packed, 24- acre original location. Along with its facility,

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