ARA CONVENTION

“As an industry we must demand better systems in our business, bringing in IT mindsets, people and paths to automation for success,” says Eric Schulz, AAA Auto Parts, Rosemount, MN. “As owners, some- times we need to get out of the way, know where we are strong, and not strong.” He noted that now is the time for more participation from the industry, as one single united voice, to be the backbone to make real impact and progress. “We need to better share our im- portance to the general economy.” The industry is getting smaller, with Amazon and eBay selling parts all over the world, noted Dan Marks, Marks Auto Parts, Buffalo, NY. The six deadly words are, “that’s how we’ve always done it.” Rick Morrow, M & M Auto Parts, Inc., Stafford, VA, concurred. “We all wish we could keep doing things the way we had, but that’s not the way it is.” Change is heading straight for the industry, and those recyclers who embrace it, find- ing opportunities inside the challenges, will prosper. The 3rd annual Recyclers Roundtable brought together a packed ballroom from around the world again to discuss issues and opportunities. That there is no overall certification and standardiza- tion in the industry was discussed extensively, with the viability of ISO 9001 compliance and NSF Internation- al certification as possible standards. “The challenge is where to start,” said Chris Daglis, Managing Director, PARTnered Solutions. “Any momentum to get every- one moving forward is hard … but we must take it to the next level. Keep driving forward; the risks take care of themselves. We must forget the challenges.” “Valuing certification in a dollar for dollar return on investment never made sense,” noted Scott Rob- ertson, Robertson’s Auto Salvage, Wareham, MA, and roundtable facilitator. “We need to focus on the results it brings,” referencing Pam’s Auto Inc,

30 January-February 2019 • AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLING