of leadership and responsibility. What do you hope to accomplish during your time in this leadership position? I would like to get people in the community and legislators to understand what we do as recyclers. Too many [people] still look at our industry and our businesses as a detriment to the community. In reality we serve an amazing purpose. There is a need for our industry. I would like to show our industry in a positive light and start getting some traction where we need it – like with legislators.

I would like to get rid of the stigma our industry suffers from. The auto recycling industry continues to go through

tremendous changes. How do you think ARA can help members through these changing times?

I think organizations get to the point where either you move ahead with the next generation or the organization dies. At that point, it’s all about the mojo – what is the organization’s motivation, what are the members’ motivations? To me, it’s learning how to survive and thrive.

ARA and the Executive Committee can help mem- bers do that by being willing to hear and listen to new ideas, vet those ideas, decide what works, and then lead in adopting the best new ideas and making changes. It’s showing members how to be open to new ideas of what is best for your business. Can you give an example of what you mean by new ideas and adapting? Technology is one of the best examples. Our indus-

try historically has been low-tech and not well respect- ed. We could be – and should be – evaluating techno- logic advances and as individual business owners adopting what is best for our businesses. For example, RFID technology – if you have a small operation, you may not need to chip your entire inventory in the warehouse, but for a larger operation, it may make sense. Or self-service kiosks at checkout are another technology example. Is that something that makes sense for my business is what people should be asking themselves.

When we evaluate and adopt technology that’s best for our businesses, I think it will help make the recycling industry a more desirable industry to work in and help attract better employees. It’s about being open to the idea of change instead of being willing to close your doors because you don’t want to change how you’ve always done it. What skills or talents do you bring to the ARA Executive Committee?

I think I have the understanding and appreciation that this is a tough business. I often hear more senior members talk about how “easy” auto recycling was

Meet ARA’s New Secretary 2015-2016 NAME: Jonathan Morrow; age 32 BUSINESS: M&M Auto Parts, Inc., Chesapeake and Fredericksburg, VA; both Gold Seal and CAR facilities TITLE: Inventory Manager and Assistant Recycling Facility Site Manager OFFICES HELD: President, Virginia Automotive Recyclers Association EDUCATION: MBA, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA FAMILY: Wife Ruthie, sons Jack, 4, and Elijah, 1 month PERSONAL PRIORITIES: Faith, Family, Auto Recycling

back in the day. They make it sound like all you had to do was go buy some cars, take off the parts, and you’ll make a ton of money. Well, I don’t ever remember it being easy. Whether I am too young or don’t have the right perspective, but I have always known that this is a hard business. To survive and thrive you have to be smart in a lot of ways, and you have to work together.

I bring a willingness to have an open door to encourage others, show them what we do, and if pos- sible help someone else to be successful. I like being busy – I have a tendency to get a lot of plates spinning and I run like crazy to keep them all going, and I think members will see that in me.

If you had a motto for the Executive Committee, what would it be? Let’s look ahead and not behind. Is there anything else you want ARA members to know about you?

I love my wife and my sons. I love people, I love Jesus, and I’m thankful for everything He has done for my family.

Lynn Novelli is a freelance writer based in Ohio, covering the auto recycling industry for 10 years.

November-December 2015 | Automotive Recycling 51