Recycler Newsletter – Feb 2013
Written and published by Ron Sturgeon. autosalvageconsultant.com, email to mikeg@autosalvageconsultant.com. To register for future free issues, visit http://www.autosalvageconsultant.com. Don’t forget to watch for our management articles monthly in Recyclers Power Source Magazine, or posted at our web site.
Wilmington Ohio Salvage Yard Owner Fights to Save His Business
City Hall is coming for Gordy Bingham. The City of Wilmington wants to close down a salvage operation that he started in 2004. At issue is whether the salvage yard is a permitted use under the property’s current zoning. The city has won an appeal on the issue and some surrounding property owners have signed a petition asking for the business to be closed, but Gordy is not going to give up his investment without a fight, according to a story about the salvage yard zoning dispute on WKRC Channel 12’s website.
Some Stolen Ambulances Turn Up Crushed at NW Houston Scrap Yard
Ambulance Service owners in Houston have been hit with a rash of thefts in the last 30 days, and now they know where thieves were disposing of the hot wheels. The crushed emergency vehicles ended up at Texas Port Recycling’s NW Houston yard. Police have one of the alleged culprits in custody, and the investigation is ongoing. Shortly after the thefts started, the owners of the private ambulance companies began installing tracking devices in their fleets and eventually one of those devices led them to the salvage yard, according to a KTRK story.
Ron Sturgeon Gathering Recyclers for Peer Benchmarking Group in Fort Worth, TX
Seats are filling fast in a new series of peer benchmarking groups for salvage yards. “I outgrew, outsold, and out hustled my competitors using insights that came from benchmarking with a small group of peers.” He will facilitate and share a tool that can make this year your best ever. Call (number) or email to reserve your spot.
Russia Slaps Extra Fees on Foreign Cars Headed for Shredder
The Russians are recent members of the World Trade Organization and already the commissars are running into trouble over new fees imposed on imported cars headed into salvage yards. Critics of the new fees decry them as protectionist and local scrap dealers wonder how the new fees will help them compete against fly-by-night operations that strip cars without the official paperwork and fees. Read the full Reuters UK Russian salvage industry story.
Phillipsburg, New Jersey Salvage Yard Fire Put Out
A large pile of cardboard caught fire at Ray Craft & Sons on McKeen Street on February 8. Firefighters responded to the 11 am blaze and brought it under control. No injuries or property loss was reported. According to local police, the fire did not appear to be suspicious. Read The Warren Reporter’s story on the salvage yard fire.
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” John F. Kennedy
AutoSalvageconsultant.com was formed in 2001 to help recyclers improve their businesses. With over 50 years of experience in 3 staff members, the group is THE definitive source for recyclers’ management and training needs. Mike Gibson and Tammy Sturgeon joined the team in 2003, and bring a wealth of experience to the team, plus more resources, as there have been more requests for help than Ron could meet. The founder, Ron Sturgeon is past owner of AAA Small Car World. In 1999, he sold his six Texas locations, with 140 employees, to Greenleaf. In 2001, he founded North Texas Insurance Auction, which he sold to Copart in 2002. In 2002, his book “Salvaging Millions” was published to help small business owners achieve significant success, and was recently reprinted and published in Chinese. He also manages his real estate holdings and investments. You can learn more about how to help your business at www.autosalvageconsultant.com.
