ARA INCOMING PRESIDENT

Mike Swift consults with RD Hopper, incoming Vice President, at the

2014 ARA Board Meeting.

clers. Sometimes we forget that we represent a lot of different types of auto recyclers; from the one or two person facility to the 60 to 100 person and now the corporate facilities. The ARA represents lots of different types of auto recycling businesses. But we all have to remember to be united when it comes to legislation and other issues that will have an effect on our industry. For me personally, that learning to have that patience has been the tough- est part. However, I have had some great people in front of me; all I have to do is listen and learn and make the best decisions we can.

“I am ready to take on the role as ARA President. There is not much that I haven’t done when it comes to working in the business and hopefully I will learn more in the next year from fellow auto recyclers across the country.”

the heat of summer and the cold of winter. I have inventoried thousands of cars. I have warehoused thousands of parts. I have crushed thousands of cars. I have sold lots and lots of parts. And I have been a boss since was 18 years old. I do know the business. Although, I don’t think I am the best, I do have a few years under my belt. I have had lots and lots of mentors and I have seen hundreds of employees come and go. I have hired and fired and, I have had to figure out how to make payroll on a Friday when there is no money. The list goes on and on.”

Even with all of this experience Swift stays hum- ble as he discusses how he feels about becoming the next ARA President.

“When people ask me how I feel about becoming the next ARA President, I tell them to be careful when you say yes,” he laughs. “I feel fine about being President of ARA, even though I don’t know if I am the most qualified. At times when I am in meetings, I don’t understand right away what might be going on, but when we are surrounded by a great staff and Board and EC members, it makes it so much easier.

“When I was a Regional Director, I just couldn’t figure out why some of these things [the issues we were working on] take so long. Being on the EC you learn to be a little more patient, listen and then hopefully chime in at the right time to make sure we are doing the right thing for all auto recy-

56 Automotive Recycling | September-October 2015

During his upcoming term as President, Swift will continue to further progress on issues facing the industry right now, such as gaining access to OEM parts data. He will continue to encourage more recyclers become CAR and Gold Seal Certified, and further promote Green Recycled Parts® as did his predecessors.

Swift says his focus is to continue to work with the Executive Committee and ARA staff to increase the market opportunities for automotive recyclers. “Right now we have so many things coming at us. One of my main goals is to educate, monitor, and try to change the perception of the automotive recycling industry. We are are professional auto recyclers and we have quality OEM parts to sell. As my friend Sue Schauls says, ‘we just need to say, just ask about our recycled parts. We will tell you all about them. But JUST ASK.’ We must make sure that not only our customers know what we do, but we need to reach more of the public and educate them why they should insist on recycled auto parts.” Swift feels strongly about encouraging all auto recyclers to get CAR certified. He says one of the questions he hears from auto recyclers is what the return on investment is to become CAR certified. Although he knows many auto recyclers who aren’t CAR certified he can’t understand why they would not take advantage of the opportunity. “When someone works on your car, do you want them to be certified?” He asks. “What about with your furnace or AC? Or your doctor? You want the best for you and your family. Why wouldn’t you want the same for your recycled auto part? The CAR certification not only shows your peers that you want to be one of the best in the trade, but it