Shiſting Gears By Caryn Smith, Editor

Best Niche Association Magazine Perspective and Personal Mentoring I

n this issue, I had the pleasure of in- terviewing some industry veterans who shared their stories of dedication to the industry as well as what some others have accomplished outside of work. Ed Milmeister shares in Spotlight (p.56) what its taken to keep his 77-year- old business, All Auto Parts Co., going strong. On p.40, Barb Utter’s story of being the Automotive Recyclers of Mich- igan’s Executive Director illustrates how many times this industry finds you, not the other way around. In other interesting interviews, Chad Counselman has found meaning in vol- unteerism, and Kevin Fullerton took his carpentry skills and merged it with his

love of recycling to build a bride’s dream wedding location made out of recycled rail cars, a bridge, and even the local high school’s old roof. This side business is his fourth, since he also owns a used car lot and founded of PartingOut.com. The slogan for the 75th Annual ARA Convention & Expo (p. 30) encourages you to “Find Your Magic,” and I would add, “In Mentoring.” Several sessions will focus on gaining perspective – from the Disney Institute’s keynote on providing extraordi- nary customer experiences, to peer-to-peer sessions, and business mentoring hosted by the Executive Committee.

“One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others

cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination,” says a John C. Maxwell quote, and “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another,” from the Bible, both speak of the value of another perspective to gauge your di- rection. Surely, you will find your way at ARA’s Convention & Expo in Orlando, Oct. 31 - Nov. 3, at the Dolphin Resort. If you have an interesting perspective, sideline or hobby you’d like to share, we would love to hear about it! Learning about the people that make up the in- dustry reminds us that while business is important, so is the value of pursuing a purpose otherwise.

Thank you, once again, for reading!

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July-August 2018 • AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLING