Editor’s Notes By Caryn Smith ARAEditor@comcast.net

Who is in Your Pit Crew? T

his issue of Automotive Recycling maga- zine will circulate at the ARA’s 72nd Annual Convention & Expo in Charlotte, North Carolina, Oct. 7 to 10. Here is a “sneak peek” of what you can expect. On page 61, check out the Exhibitor’s List – a virtual who’s who of companies who are ready to talk business with you at the largest exposition for auto recyclers. The Convention boasts over 30 educa- tional sessions, and includes not-to-miss Keynote speakers – Bobby Triesch (Vice President of Operations for Newell Recycling) and Tanvir Arfi (President of Service, Maintenance, Repair and Parts Platform for Solera).

If you are coming to get social, this

won’t disappoint: Your first networking opportunity is one of my favorites, the

annual Yard Tour and BBQ, hosted by ARA Member facility Matlock’s Used Cars & Parts. The next evening, you’ll enjoy the Past President’s Reception and Expo Opening. Friday night ushers in the Awards Dinner and Presidential Gavel Ceremony. And, in honor of the NASCAR checkered flag, this event will have a fun and fancy black & white attire theme. And to cap the whole thing off is the action at the Bank of America 500 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. So, speaking of action, this issue high- lights family business transitions and the next generation of workers who could become the next owners of the business, or who are on your payroll right now. As you know with NASCAR, a car wins or loses by its crew as much as it’s driver.

A finely-tuned pit crew working in their areas of expertise helps a business hum across the finish line of positive cash flow. One mistake can cause a crash or just produce an average run.

Who is in your Pit Crew who is not in sync with the rest of the team? Could it possibly be a NextGen? If so, the answer isn’t to fire them, the answer is to inspire them. Read our coverage on how to do this on pages 40 and 46. These articles just might be your light bulb moment. If your “crew” is family, you’ll want to read the story on page 32. Many family businesses are in transition right now. Planning ahead, communication, and developing priorities create good syner- gy for transitional success. Now, I will see YOU in Charlotte!

6 Automotive Recycling | September-October 2015