U-R-G On the Go

Want to know what is making waves in the world of auto recycling? Join us as we sit down with Amanda and Kristen to spill the beans on all the latest happenings at URG. From their whirlwind tour of industry events to the recent addition of 11-13 new members, it's all go at URG! Hear about URG’s two newly launched websites that promise to revamp your business operations.

Ever heard of the URG Scholarship Foundation? This remarkable program is opening doors for auto recycling employees and their children, offering financial scholarships to lighten the load of education costs. And that's not all. We've got the inside scoop on the upcoming URG and PRP joint conference in St. Louis, Missouri. With keynote speaker Ross Schafer on the roster and an exciting golf tournament lined up, this is one event you won’t want to miss. Register from November 1st and join us in St. Louis - your future self will thank you!

Uncover the three A's to personal and professional growth with our esteemed guest, Richard Flint, a powerhouse on the International Lecture Circuit with 35 years of experience aiding individuals and organizations in their evolution. Richard's wisdom will enlighten you on how to adapt, adjust, and align, encouraging you to confront the fear of the unknown and reevaluate your perception of change.

Dive headfirst into this enlightening discussion, where we scrutinize negative thought patterns, take a brutally honest look at ourselves and our businesses, and explore the dynamics of change. Richard emphasizes the significance of conviction-filled commitment and introduces two fundamental life foundations. Learn about business strategies and solutions from Richard's innovative 8-module, 16-week program designed to instill clarity, calmness, and confidence into your companies. This episode is a treasure trove of enlightenment, motivation, and effective strategies for personal and professional growth. Tune in, and let's begin our journey of transformation together.

Ever wondered how Labor Day became an integral part of American tradition, and who are the real founders behind the holiday? Together with DJ Harrington and his wife, Sheila Harrington, we bring you a fascinating historic journey into the origins of Labor Day, tracing its roots back to the labor movement in the 19th century. From the exploration of potential founders to the first Labor Day parade in New York City on September 5, 1882, we unpack the story of this national holiday, with a trip back in time to the industrial revolution and the grueling labor conditions that sparked change.

As we venture further into the depths of the labor movement, we cast a spotlight on the significant Pullman car strike of the late 19th century. We explore the role of Eugene Debs in sparking these protests and the consequences of the strike, involving Robert Todd Lincoln, president of the Pullman Palace Car Company. We delve into the profound impact of these events on the labor movement, drawing inspiration from quotes by Martin Luther King Jr. and Dan Miller on the importance of purpose, meaning, and accomplishment in the workplace. So, tune in to this episode, promising a compelling journey through time, exploring the roots and legacy of Labor Day.

Are you curious about the future of automotive dismantling and recycling? Want to be prepared for the surge of electric and hybrid vehicles hitting the used market? In this electrifying episode, we plug into the expertise of Andy Latham, a U.K. automotive industry veteran who's spent a decade enlightening others about these innovative vehicles. Together, we examine the unique risks and rewards associated with handling electric and hybrid cars, and we power through the vital training required to safely dismantle their high-voltage components.

Andy guides us through the four tiers of training necessary for handling these cutting-edge vehicles, from basic awareness to advanced battery dismantling. He introduces us to the enriching online courses provided by ARA University that can ease your journey up this ladder of knowledge. We also turn our headlights onto the URG Scholarship Foundation, a brilliant initiative that provides financial assistance to industry employees and their offspring for their educational endeavors. Lastly, we rev up our imaginations and cruise into the future, where Andy shares a vivid image of what vehicle dismantling and recycling might look like in 25 years. Join us in this journey and get future-ready!

Get ready to peel back the layers of the towing business with Brian Riker, a third-generation owner and the Director of Safety and Transportation Fenix Parts. He's a revered speaker, often gracing stages at URG, and he dives deep into some intriguing subjects in our latest podcast. We chat about his upcoming talks at the Midwest Regional Tow Show and ARA Northeast Conference where he'll be addressing hard-hitting topics like the unique family dynamics in towing businesses, the influence of marijuana on transportation, and how driving behaviors are impacting more than just fleets.

But that's not all. Brian takes us through a riveting discussion on the ripple effects of bankruptcies on companies' supplies, with a keen eye on the recent labor strike against UPS and Yellow's bankruptcy warning signs. His insights are invaluable and his tips are practical, making sure you're prepared to navigate today's challenging economic landscape. We highlight the importance of staying updated about the current business environment and understanding all the players for long-term success. So tune in, equip yourself with knowledge, and gain the upper hand in your business affairs.

Join us for a candid conversation with Amanda and Kristen of United Recyclers Group (URG), a team that has truly mastered the art of networking and data protection in the recycling industry. Prepare to be enlightened as they share invaluable insights from their experiences at prominent trade shows. They'll walk you through the importance of keeping your data up-to-date, and how to protect it - knowledge every industry player should possess. Also, they give a sneak peek into the upcoming shows they'll be attending, opening doors to unparalleled networking opportunities.

On a heartwarming note, we'll hear about URG's association with the National Auto Body Council and their commendable act of donating a vehicle to a deserving family. Dive into the depths of this charitable endeavor as Amanda and Kristen talk about URG's gracious offer to handle all the towing for the council, completely free of charge. As the cherry on top, they'll share about their exciting stay  in Orlando, Florida, and how this experience deepened the relationship between URG and the National Auto Body Council. Tune in for this enriching episode packed with industry insights, inspiring stories, and experiences straight from the horse's mouth.

Strap in auto recyclers, as the insightful Mike Kunkel of Profit Team Consulting is here to rev your motors with his invaluable advice on achieving business growth and efficiency. 
 Mike shares his vast experience and practical tips on maximizing the profitability wheel of your auto recycling business. Hear him out as he underscores the essence of supporting vendors and trainers at industry events and venturing outside your comfort zone to embrace fresh, innovative ideas. Events like the PRP Midwest Runner merger, the ARA Northeast show, and the ARA national event in Kansas City are not just conventions but opportunities for networking and growth, a fact that Mike cannot stress enough.

Beyond the nuts and bolts, Mike navigates the path of building strong customer relationships and fostering a positive company culture. Learn why reaching out to customers and making outbound phone calls are crucial to stimulate more inbound activity. Peek into Mike’s playbook on the vitality of open discussions and collaborations for business growth and improvement. So buckle up for this enlightening journey with Mike Kunkel, where every turn is a learning curve and every mileage covered is a step towards taking your auto recycling business to new heights. So, why wait? Hit play and let's get started!

Ready to revolutionize your auto recycling business? Georgia Carver, marketing maestro from Australia's Auto Partner Solutions, shares her decade's worth of insights in our captivating conversation. We dissect the industry's marketing approach, highlighting common pitfalls like being reactive rather than proactive. Leveraging her extensive experience and observations from US auto recyclers, Georgia offers invaluable strategies to shift this paradigm.

But the gold doesn't stop there. Georgia breaks down actionable steps any auto recycling business can implement today to amp up their success. From gathering customer emails to mastering mobile optimization and social media consistency, Georgia leaves no stone unturned. Even more, she discusses the importance of anticipating customer behavior and getting ahead in digital marketing. Tune in and get a leg up on the competition with these exclusive insights. Plus, discover our future plans and exciting meetings on the horizon. Thank us later when your business is thriving!

Sheila Harrington, wife of DJ HArrington joins him on this podcast to share the history of July 4th

Rob Rainwater joins DJ Harrington and talks  about his method of training and why he thinks it works