surgery. That was in 1999. One year later, I resigned from teaching and pursued a full-time position at the Y-Yard. Erin, my younger sister, and my parent’s youngest child, graduated from college with a business degree and came straight to work at the Y-Yard. “We each spent those years learning the business, building respect, and proving that we were there to work. It wasn’t an easy transition. As we had two strikes against us – we were trying to fit into a male-dominat- ed industry and we were viewed as ‘daddy’s little girls.’” That experience proved invaluable and prepared both women to run the business and continue the successful transition from one generation to the next. “As for generational changes, I would say it has been a struggle for my dad and another employee that has been with us for almost 40 years to watch the shift in business,” said Roepke. “From the type of sales transactions, to the lack of loyal customers to Internet shoppers, self-diagnosing retail walk-in’s, to the new employees of the ‘entitlement’ generation- it’s hard for them to accept. They want to help, but it’s so hard to retrain your mind and your habits to the new way of business.”

Kelly and Erin have a long future ahead in Y-Yard,

and they are still in the process of transitioning the business. Yet they are aware that they, too, have to start plans early for the next phase of ownership. “We were very fortunate to be raised by wonderful, generous and giving parents and we have a fairly tight knit family,” said Roepke. “We have a direction and a goal. Family business and family dynamics can be dif- ficult. It’s not something that can be done overnight or with quick decisions. My parents are taking the time to do it right and be fair to everyone involved which is something I hope to do some day, too, when it’s our turn to transition to the next generation. “I think that my advice to make generational tran- sitions smoother is to discuss intentions before getting so invested in the business. I was young and didn’t really know what my intentions were when I started. At times, I didn’t want to be too persistent or pushy. I’ve learned a lot and grew up a lot in my 15 full-time years here with the Y-Yard. Discussing intentions from the beginning with those who might possibly take over your business one day and keeping conversations going as they learn and grow go a long way in con- tributing to a successful transition.” Michelle Keadle-Taylor is a freelance writer in Pennsylvania.

September-October 2015 | Automotive Recycling 35