resilient individuals who have reacted to even negative industry pressures over the years and, through de- termination and adaptability, create positive change. I would say conservatively that there are hundreds of very positive milestones and changes to our methods of operations. Kudos to each one of you who led the way – you know who you are and you are our foundation.” “We have consistently reinvented ourselves over the decades, usually during adverse times. Many years ago we tentatively embraced technology with very basic in- formation systems. Now technology is a critical main- stay of all the decisions of any progressive recycler. Time and again, we have been subjected to dire pre- dictions of the demise of our industry and then along comes a dedicated and resilient group of progressive recyclers, like we have today, and their associations, who take up the challenge not only to preserve our livelihood, but advance the industry in a manner that has never previously been seen,” says MacDonald. “This has an important historical context dating back to 1943. Our 75 year-old association ignited this generational tenacity as ARA’s entity [then, the Automo- tive Dismantlers & Recyclers Association] was established to protect the recyclers from government control during World War II. And, for that matter, even our family business, Maritime Auto Parts in Nova Scotia, now in the hands of my son Andrew, is over 85 years old. Let me clarify, not me, but our business!” “When I was asked to serve on the Executive Committee and as President of ARA, for which I am very thankful for the honor, it was my belief that at that time was the ‘beginning of the end’ of my generation’s approach to auto recycling. While we served it well, and gave countless years to the challeng- es before us, our job was now to trust it to the generation that we, in fact, paved the way for the future. “My President’s acceptance speech spoke of “Passing the Keys to the Kingdom’ to the next generation,” says MacDonald. “Rest assured, we have been successful in that we now have a new wave of lead- ers that will surely work hard to protect our industry and take on the challenges that are before them in their pur- suit of their “brave new au- tomotive recycling world.” “I fi rmly believe that the biggest change to our industry is the realization that we exist in a global entity and the decisions that are made in other countries direct-
AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLING • March-April 2018
ly affect our industry. In mine and prior generations, we traded, locally, then regionally, then nationally. Now, it is internationally. We are constantly searching alternate markets to areas of the world that we didn’t know about or didn’t exist before.” As for industry inner workings, MacDonald believes in taking the bird’s eye view. “North America automo- tive recycling is principally based on the sale of parts. Over the years, I had opportunities to witness how European, Asian and other countries had a vastly dif- ferent model than in North America, i.e. the United States and Canada. I found all models have oppor- tunity for the continuation and growth of our indus- try. Yet, I believe that we are well along the path to a blending of the different approaches to automotive recycling, which is a wonderful thing.” Lastly, in service to the industry, MacDonald would encourage anyone, no matter what generation, to use their voice. “We should never give up this passionate pursuit. We are the true environmentalists and prob- ably recycle more as an Association, collectively, than some of our major cities. Get involved. You have the talent and we have an area that would allow you to feel that you have something to contribute, on another lev- el. Associations exist for your benefi t … but nothing happens without your participation and input.”
Meet Becky Berube
President United Catalyst Corporation Co-Chair, Events Advisory Committee
B
ecky Berube is President of United Catalyst Corporation in Greenville, South Carolina. She fi rst became involved in the industry through her husband, Tim, who was working in converter recycling while pursuing a degree in architecture. “We were newlyweds and I was a portfolio accountant for Putnam Investments in Bos- ton, MA. As Tim launched a small recycling company, I researched the recycling and refi ning supply chain, and eventually joined him in the company.”
While Berube may have not initially sought after a job in our industry, there is one big reason that keeps her loving the industry. The people.
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