MEMBERSHIP

and facilities to create a better image. As part of that change, recyclers now care more about customer satisfaction than they might have many years ago. Modern recyclers have changed many perceptions of our industry (although we can’t change everyone’s mind) and this has helped widen our

Every recycler can get involved by making sure they are grading their parts and selling assemblies consistent to the industry standards.

customer base. There is now a larger spectrum of the types of customers who want recycled parts. With margins being slimmer than they were many years ago, the use of data for requests and sales has also changed. The bar has been raised for auto re- cyclers, and I think that has resulted in a significant improvement in our products and reputation. The customer experience is now much better than it was 35 years ago.

What is your goal as a President of the Educational Foundation, and why should members and non-members take note of your activities?

One of my main goals as President of the Edu- cational Foundation is to offer help to recyclers through training with ARA University. With train- ing, recyclers can remain compliant and offer safe work environments to their employees. Another goal is to educate recyclers on the value of ARA Parts Grading and Standards. Additionally, we must educate consumers on these standards so they have the proper expectations when purchasing a recy- cled part. This results in a positive buyer experi- ence, and I believe this is one of the best ways to increase sales for the industry.

What is the one thing you hope the industry does to help itself succeed as a collective industry and individual auto recyclers? We must try to be consistent in the products we deliver, and make sure the public is aware of the ser- vices we do for the world – saving people money on repairs, recycling materials, cutting down the waste in landfills, and properly disposing of harmful flu- ids/materials in our dismantling processes. We must also keep our own knowledge current on assembly components and part grading, so that we have an- swers when our customers have questions, and they know what to expect when they buy our parts. How can one get involved in your efforts to make the most impact for your efforts? Every recycler can get involved by making sure they are grading their parts and selling assemblies consistent to the industry standards. Present a good image with your products and facilities. You can also help promote recycled parts in general through your marketing efforts, and when possible

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communicate that our indus- try is helping the environment. If you have time, join one of the many committees to help foster ARA or your local asso- ciation. Provide input when an association asks about the direction you feel they should be moving – a variety of opin- ions can add better insight and

a more cohesive view of the values, opinions, and priorities of the people in our industry. Editor’s Note: The 75th Annual ARA Convention & Expo holds a fundraiser each year. This year it benefits the ARA Educational Foundation. Please consider giv- ing to this worthy fund, as its impact is significant to the industry in furthering the career path of each student it serves. The Foundation has recently launched the AR Career Zone (www.araef.org) as a way to recruit and bring employment to worthy candidates for the industry.

Meet Dalbert (Dally) Livingstone

Island Auto Supply, Winsloe, PEI, Canada Regional Director – Canada

I

was recruited into the business by my grandparents in 2002, fresh out of the univer- sity. Island Auto Sup- ply (www.islandauto- supply.com) is proud to be PEI’s largest sup- plier of used and after- market auto and truck parts and automotive replacement parts. We have served the auto parts industry for over 30 years.

I worked in various departments from tow truck operator to dismantling to the sales counter. I had grown up around the business as a kid, including rebuilding a few cars, and just enjoyed the shop atmosphere. After about eight years, my wife who then managed a restaurant was also recruited and a succession plan was formed. We bought the busi- ness in 2013 and have been trying to keep our fam- ily’s legacy going ever since.

I’ve volunteered for a few leadership roles during my career. In 2011, I became vice president to our local association, Automotive Recyclers Association of Atlantic Canada (ARAAC), and around 2013 be- came president. I’ve been involved with our board in

July-August 2018 • AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLING