FOCUS ON LEADERSHIP

FRESH Insight

Jonathan Morrow, ARA’s new Secretary, brings a fresh viewpoint

and wisdom beyond his years to the ARA leadership. INTERVIEW BY LYNN NOVELLI

onathan Morrow took office as Secretary at the 2015 ARA Convention in Charlotte, officially becoming part of the ARA Executive Committee. Morrow, known as “Jono” to fam- ily and friends, took some time recently to chat with Automotive Recycling magazine about his background, experience and what he hopes to accomplish during his time on the Executive Committee.

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Morrow is the Inventory Manager at M&M Auto Parts, Inc., and in charge of pricing. The M&M team is supportive of his new role, says General Manager, Jeff Sowers. “The inventory team support is great, and this is a ideal time in the company for Jonathan to take on an Association service role.” Sowers feels that Morrow will bring a “fresh perspective combined with a young, responsible viewpoint and a strong background” to the ARA leadership. Here are Morrow’s thoughts on his new position.

At 32 you will be the youngest member of the ARA Executive Committee. How do you feel about that? As part of the next generation of recyclers, I think I will bring a younger vibe to the board in a positive way. I am always open to change and new technology. I have no problem giving my opinion, but I also have no problem being open and listening. Although I will be the youngest board member, I grew up in the business that my grandparents started, and we are long-time ARA members, going back to 1979.

50 Automotive Recycling | November-December 2015

What was it like growing up as part of a recycler family? My father had just graduated high school when my grandpa died, so grandma kind of kept the business together until my father graduated from college and could take over. He came in full-time at age 22. So growing up, I was always around the business. When I was a kid, I remember my parents would go to the ARA convention each year as their vacation. While I was in college I worked for another recycler, not the family business.

I still did not go into the family business immediately after getting my MBA, even though that was my plan, to eventually be part of it. My family had two rules: Go to school and then go to work somewhere else for a year. I did that, working in commercial real estate for a year. When it came time to move to the family busi- ness, I had to apply for my job here and go through the interview process. When I got hired, I started by doing everything and anything that needed to get done. I learned a lot, including great respect for every person who works here. What do you enjoy about the auto recycling business? I enjoy providing people with a good, reliable part at the right price. I am fortunate that my parents are very involved in the business. I love seeing them every day and having the opportunity to talk with them about work or just what’s going on in my life. Our team here at M&M is the most competent and loyal in the industry, and my parents, grandmother, and uncle are all part of the business. I am very blessed in that between my family and our team members, I can take on the added responsibilities of Secretary and know the business will be taken care of. When you joined the ARA Executive Committee as Secretary, as you know, it set you on a certain path in ARA