ARA Unscripted

ARA Unscripted is a candid, open-format podcast where I sit down with interesting people from across the automotive recycling industry and beyond. We dive into real conversations about work, life, leadership, challenges, wins, and everything in between. No scripts. No filters. Just authentic stories and insights that inspire, educate, and connect.

ARA Unscripted is a business podcast hosted by The Automotive Recyclers Association, with 22 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

The Automotive Recyclers Association hosts ARA Unscripted, a business show with 22 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #22

  Episode 22: Jim McKinney

  Sep 23, 20262h 8mS1

  Jim McKinney went from dismantling cars at Milliron Auto Parts to owning the company. But his journey to becoming an automotive recycling industry leader was anything but a straight line. In this episode of ARA Unscripted, host Vince Edivan sits down with Jim McKinney, owner of Milliron Auto Parts, CEO of EZ Suite, and PRP board member, for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, failure, mentorship, friendship, and the evolution of automotive recycling. Jim shares how an early business venture ended in a lawsuit that cost him nearly everything, how he and his wife Tammy rebuilt their lives, and how the relationships he developed throughout the automotive recycling industry helped shape his future. We also explore Jim's longtime partnership with Karl, the early days of Midwest Auto Recyclers and PRP, the development of EZ's logistics software, and the unexpected path that eventually led Jim to become the owner of the very business where he once dismantled cars. Along the way, Jim shares some hilarious stories, including a practical joke on his boss that nearly backfired, and explains why embracing technology, learning from others, and surrounding yourself with good people are essential to building a successful business. Whether you're an automotive recycler, an entrepreneur, or someone who believes that failure can be the foundation for future success, this conversation offers plenty of lessons—and a few good laughs. Join the conversation: What's the most valuable lesson you've learned from a business failure or a mentor? Share your story in the comments! Like this episode, subscribe to ARA Unscripted, and share it with someone who would enjoy Jim's story. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction – Meet Jim McKinney 00:47 Sponsor – AX Payments 01:51 From Mechanic to Entrepreneur 07:50 Starting a Towing Business 13:41 The Business Deal That Cost Jim Everything 18:20 Losing Everything and Rebuilding His Family 24:49 Jim's First Opportunity at Milliron Auto Parts 32:42 From Dismantling Cars to Learning Technology 40:14 Becoming "Junkyard Jimmy" 45:18 Jim's First Industry Trade Show 47:45 The Early Days of Midwest Auto Recyclers 57:40 The People Who Changed Jim's Career 01:01:19 ARA Membership Message 01:01:59 The Importance of Mentorship 01:05:20 A Practical Joke That Nearly Backfired 01:14:20 When Competitors Become Your Biggest Supporters 01:19:21 How Failure Became Jim's Biggest Success 01:20:44 Building EZY and Solving Industry Problems 01:25:00 The Evolution of Midwest and PRP 01:32:00 From Employee to Owner of Milliron Auto Parts 01:39:25 Bringing the Next Generation Into the Business 01:45:31 Life Outside the Automotive Recycling Industry 01:50:17 Building a Team and Finding the Right People 01:53:25 The Future of Automotive Recycling 02:01:05 Friendship, Family, and the Story of Reba 02:05:27 Final Thoughts and Closing Thank You to Our Sponsor AXE Payments This episode of ARA Unscripted is brought to you by AXE Payments, offering credit card processing solutions designed for the automotive recycling industry. AXE Payments offers a transparent, no-fee, no-contract approach, free equipment, and technology designed to help recyclers manage processing costs, fraud, and chargebacks. Ron Matthews, Vice President of Automotive at AXE Payments, has spent his entire adult life in automotive recycling and understands the challenges recyclers face. Contact Ron to learn more about AXE Payments and its solutions for your business. Call or text Ron: (401) 640-3015 About the Automotive Recyclers Association The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) is the leading international trade association representing professional automotive recyclers. ARA provides advocacy, training, certification, resources, and industry connections to help automotive recycling businesses succeed. Learn more about ARA and become a member: https://www.a-r-a.org/ Subscribe to ARA Unscripted for more conversations with the people, entrepreneurs, and innovators shaping the automotive recycling industry. #ARAUnscripted #AutomotiveRecycling #JimMcKinney #Entrepreneurship #AutoRecyclers

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  Episode #21

  Episode 21: Jeff Helget

  Sep 9, 20261h 36mS1

  What happens when one of the biggest career decisions of your life comes down to the flip of a coin? In this episode of ARA Unscripted , Vince Edivan sits down with Jeff Helget , Vice President of Hollander, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, automotive recycling, entrepreneurship, innovation — and the unexpected path that brought Jeff into the industry. Jeff shares stories from growing up in rural Oregon, riding motorcycles through the wilderness, starting his first business as a teenager, and climbing the ranks at Sears before B&R Auto Wrecking came calling. He originally thought he might give automotive recycling six months. More than two decades later, Jeff had helped grow B&R into a 25-location operation across five states and served as president of the company. The conversation explores what Jeff learned about earning the respect of employees, why great leadership starts with curiosity, the importance of getting your hands dirty alongside your team, and why automotive recycling is ultimately less about parts than it is about people. Jeff also discusses his transition to Hollander, the Global Circularity Consortium, current pressures facing recyclers, the opportunity to sell deeper into the vehicle, and why the next generation of automotive recyclers has an enormous opportunity in front of them. Along the way, there are plenty of stories about motorcycles, family, mentors, getting lost in the wilderness, JC Cahill, and those pivotal “stop sign moments” that can change the direction of your life. IN THIS EPISODE 00:00 – Jeff Helget: A Career Decided by a Coin Flip 01:07 – Sponsor: AX Payments 02:10 – An Impromptu Conversation in Cocoa Beach 03:48 – Growing Up in the Oregon Wilderness 08:04 – Jeff Gets His First Dirt Bike 09:08 – Family, Motorcycles and Raising Kids 11:58 – College and the Plan to Become a Firefighter 12:57 – Discovering the Automotive Industry 15:04 – Learning How to Lead 19:57 – Mentorship and Jeff’s First Business 25:03 – What Makes Automotive Recycling Different 26:03 – How Jeff Found B&R Auto Wrecking 29:13 – Taking Over an Underperforming Location 30:31 – The Coin Flip That Changed Everything 32:02 – Turning the Worst Store Into the Best 35:03 – Customer Service and Leading With Curiosity 38:28 – “Broken Hearts and Auto Parts” 40:10 – Women Leaders in Automotive Recycling 42:34 – Growing With B&R 45:10 – Building Culture by Getting Your Hands Dirty 47:30 – “We’re Not in the Parts Business. We’re in the People Business.” 49:29 – Changing the Perception of Automotive Recycling 51:24 – Sponsor: Automotive Recyclers Association 52:12 – The Moment Jeff Almost Left B&R 56:07 – Why One Conversation Changed His Mind 57:30 – Competing With JC Cahill 1:00:20 – Jeff’s Move to Hollander 1:01:02 – The Global Circularity Consortium 1:04:23 – Jeff’s New Role as VP of Hollander 1:07:10 – The Biggest Challenges Facing Recyclers 1:10:31 – Selling Deeper Into the Vehicle 1:13:14 – Innovation, Education and the Next Generation 1:18:12 – Why Successful Businesses Have to Keep Changing 1:20:15 – Career, Identity and Finding Balance 1:25:06 – Motorcycles, Camping and Getting Off the Grid 1:28:17 – Getting Lost in the Wilderness as a Kid 1:33:24 – Jeff’s Message to the Next Generation 1:35:51 – Closing Thoughts THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AXE Payments AXE Payments is changing the way credit card processing works for the automotive recycling industry with a transparent, no-fee, no-contract approach, free equipment, and technology designed specifically for recyclers. Vice President of Automotive Ron Matthews has spent his entire adult life in automotive recycling and understands the challenges recyclers face — including processing costs, fraud and chargebacks. Call or text Ron Matthews at (401) 640-3015 to learn more. Automotive Recyclers Association If you're serious about operating a professional automotive recycling business, become part of the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA). ARA works to protect, promote and advance automotive recyclers through industry training, safety and environmental resources, cost-saving programs, networking opportunities, and a unified voice advocating for professional automotive recyclers. Learn more and become an ARA member at www.a-r-a.org . If you enjoyed the episode: Like the video Tell us what stood out to you in the comments Share it with someone in the automotive recycling industry Subscribe to ARA Unscripted for more conversations with the people shaping the future of automotive recycling. ARA Unscripted is presented by the Automotive Recyclers Association.

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  Episode #20

  Episode 20: Mike Lambert

  Aug 27, 20261h 41mS1

  In this episode of **ARA Unscripted**, Vince sits down with **Mike Lambert of Buddy Innovations** for a wide-ranging conversation about more than three decades in the auto recycling industry. Mike shares the unlikely path that took him from working on million-dollar equipment in a semiconductor clean room to running a salvage yard, installing Hollander systems across the country, and eventually helping build the technology behind Buddy Innovations. They dig into the origins of **Inventory Buddy and Bid Buddy**, the history and importance of Hollander Interchange, how technology has transformed the industry, and where artificial intelligence may take it next. Mike also shares his perspective on recycled parts usage, insurance companies, rising salvage acquisition costs, vehicle exports, EV batteries, access to vehicle data, industry advocacy, and why he believes recyclers need strong state and national associations. And because this is ARA Unscripted, there are plenty of stories along the way—from the early days of Hollander and expense-account culture to Corvettes, fishing, travel, EVs, and what retirement might eventually look like for Mike. 00:00 – Mike Lambert: Industry History, Technology & What’s Next 00:52 – Sponsor: AX Payments 01:55 – Meet Mike Lambert 03:30 – Wrestling, football and growing up in Colorado 06:32 – A Chevy Chase airplane story 08:41 – Mike’s one culinary specialty 09:39 – From Honeywell clean rooms to auto recycling 13:23 – Running his first salvage yard 15:22 – Discovering Hollander 16:23 – Becoming a Hollander installer 17:35 – From Hollander to consulting 18:01 – Meeting John “Triple J” and the origins of Inventory Buddy 20:20 – The problem that inspired Bid Buddy 22:08 – Buddy Innovations is born 22:50 – Consulting for some of the industry’s largest recyclers 25:59 – Fishing, Corvettes and life outside work 28:56 – How AI is changing auto recycling technology 31:16 – Will programmers become AI managers? 31:44 – Protecting recycler data 33:54 – Why Hollander Interchange still matters 34:19 – OE part numbers and the future of interchange 36:46 – Hollander, Mitchell and the interchange lawsuit 39:13 – The beginnings of electronic parts sourcing 41:18 – Why one interchange language changed the industry 42:20 – The FTC, competition and Hollander 44:35 – Why Mike left Hollander 47:08 – Mentorship and becoming an entrepreneur 49:17 – Making the leap into consulting 50:50 – Sponsor: Automotive Recyclers Association 51:40 – Challenges facing recyclers today 52:10 – Insurance companies and recycled parts 54:13 – Why recycled parts don’t always reach the final estimate 56:18 – Are insurers totaling vehicles too quickly? 57:43 – Salvage titles and repaired vehicles 59:18 – The case for a national vehicle-title standard 59:51 – Vehicle exports and lost recycling resources 01:01:23 – Why every recycler needs an association 01:03:43 – How industry involvement can transform a business 01:06:13 – Why advocacy matters 01:07:43 – Solera, circularity and recycled parts 01:09:23 – Expanding Buddy into Australia and the UK 01:11:20 – Rising salvage acquisition costs 01:12:32 – EVs enter the recycling conversation 01:15:30 – What EV growth means for auto recyclers 01:18:27 – The EV battery problem 01:20:46 – Why recyclers need battery state-of-health data 01:21:11 – Repairing and reusing EV batteries 01:24:54 – Fisker, Tesla and keeping orphaned EVs alive 01:27:40 – What’s next for Buddy Innovations 01:29:30 – What retirement might look like for Mike 01:31:44 – Travel, Australia and life beyond work 01:37:26 – Mike’s decades of support for the industry 01:38:23 – Closing thoughts 01:40:10 – Subscribe to ARA Unscripted **THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY AXE PAYMENTS** AXE Payments is changing the way credit-card processing works for the auto recycling industry with a transparent, no-fee, no-contract approach, free equipment, and technology built specifically to help recyclers grow. Vice President of Automotive **Ron Matthews** has spent his entire adult life in auto recycling and understands the challenges recyclers face—from processing costs to fraud and chargebacks. Ron is available seven days a week. **Call or text: (401) 640-3015** **AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERS ASSOCIATION** If you’re serious about running a professional auto recycling business, ARA gives you access to industry-leading training, safety and environmental resources, cost-saving programs, networking, certification resources, and a unified voice in Washington. ARA has been protecting, promoting and advancing professional auto recyclers since 1943. Learn more and become a member at **a-r-a.org**. If you enjoy ARA Unscripted, **like the episode, leave a comment, share it with someone in the industry, and subscribe.**

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  Episode #19

  Episode 19: DJ Harrington

  Aug 12, 20261h 47mS1

  In this episode Vince Edivan sits down with longtime industry mentor, trainer and professional speaker DJ Harrington for a conversation that goes far beyond sales and leadership. DJ shares the lessons he learned from his father, growing up one of 12 children, overcoming a speech impediment to become a world-renowned professional speaker, his early career in sales, working with companies including General Motors, Ford, American Express and the PGA, and the unlikely path that eventually brought him into automotive recycling. Along the way, DJ shares stories about relationships, customer service, persistence, honesty and CANI — Constant and Never-Ending Improvement. He also talks candidly about the health challenges he faces today and what he hopes people remember about him. At its heart, this is a conversation about helping people, continuing to improve, and recognizing that sometimes the smallest gesture can change the direction of a career — or a life. 00:00 A Life That Became the Message 01:44 Nordstrom’s Automotive — Episode Sponsor 02:18 Sitting Down with DJ Harrington 04:04 DJ’s Health and the Support of the Industry 09:16 Growing Up One of 12 Children 16:07 The Lesson of 1,800 Families 18:18 From a Speech Impediment to Professional Speaker 20:02 The Monastery, Sales and Uniroyal 25:13 Lessons from DJ’s Father 27:05 The Tugboat Lesson: How to Motivate People 30:21 Humor, Sales and the Famous “ID10T” 32:02 Green Eggs and Ham as a Sales Lesson 35:21 How DJ Found Automotive Recycling 38:35 Scholarships and Investing in People 41:42 Getting One Foot in the Door 44:46 Persistence, a Broken Brick and a Career 51:19 “My Dad Makes People Feel Good” 51:58 AX Payments — Episode Sponsor 53:00 Why ARA Membership Matters 53:40 How DJ Found the Auto Recycling Industry 54:40 The Story That Led DJ to the PGA 59:26 Turning Lessons Into Memorable Experiences 1:00:21 “Don’t Be Bitter — Be Better” 1:01:38 From Seminary to the U.S. Army 1:04:11 Writing a Love Letter for a Wounded Soldier 1:05:02 Why DJ Loves Auto Recyclers 1:07:47 Selling the Bluebird Bus 1:09:20 Relationships and “What’s In It For Me?” 1:11:35 CANI — Constant and Never-Ending Improvement 1:18:34 Sales Mistakes Recyclers Still Make 1:20:21 Listening Is a Superpower 1:25:10 Ask for the Sale 1:26:05 People Buy From People 1:27:42 How Kindness Can Become Good Business 1:31:21 DJ’s Simple Rules for Success 1:31:47 What DJ Wants People to Remember 1:33:49 Character, Habits and Destiny 1:35:13 Faith, Purpose and Using Your Gifts 1:38:26 “Drink, Swear, Steal and Lie” 1:41:03 Looking Back at ARA Unscripted 1:43:09 ARA, URG and Working Together 1:44:45 Why DJ Believes in ARA 1:45:50 A Final Message About Hill Days 1:46:18 Closing SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Nordstrom’s Automotive — Garretson, South Dakota The Nordstrom’s team has considered DJ a mentor, teacher and friend for years, and they are proud to help bring this episode to the industry. Nordstrom’s Automotive includes full-service auto recycling, U-Pull-It self-service used auto parts and the Under the Hood Show. AX Payments AX Payments is changing credit card processing for automotive recyclers with a transparent, no-fee, no-contract approach, free equipment and technology designed specifically for the industry. Vice President of Automotive Ron Matthews has spent his entire adult life in automotive recycling and understands the challenges recyclers face with processing costs, fraud and chargebacks. Call or text Ron Matthews at (401) 640-3015 to learn more.

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  Episode #18

  Episode 18: Ron Matthews

  Jul 29, 20261h 49mS1

  Success isn't built through shortcuts—it's built through relationships. In this episode of ARA Unscripted , Vince Edivan sits down with Ron Matthews to discuss the career, relationships, and lessons that have made him one of the automotive recycling industry's most respected mentors. From starting on the parts counter to becoming a consultant, educator, and trusted advisor, Ron shares practical insights on leadership, mentorship, networking, sales, and why helping others succeed has been the key to his own success. Whether you're an automotive recycler, business owner, or aspiring leader, you'll walk away with lessons that apply far beyond our industry. Sponsors ARI — Auto Recycler Intelligence With live inventory pricing, Hollander interchange, automated freight calculations, and secure payment links, customers can receive a quote and complete a purchase at any time. Learn more at ariintel.com or contact Kirk Monger at kirk@ariintel.com . Mention this episode and receive $195 off your first month . Offer valid for one year from the episode air date. VIN Match Pro VIN Match Pro simplifies complex VIN data so teams can clearly understand vehicle details and match information correctly the first time. That means: Fewer errors Fewer credits and returns More consistent decisions Less time spent double-checking work VIN Match Pro brings accurate, easy-to-read information and practical tools together in one place. To schedule a demonstration, email Justin at VIN Match Pro or call (978) 413-7170 . Join the Automotive Recyclers Association The automotive recycling industry is stronger when we work together. ARA provides advocacy, education, certification, and resources to help recyclers succeed. Learn more or become a member at www.a-r-a.org . Or, if you want it even shorter: Join ARA Stay connected, informed, and ahead of industry changes through the Automotive Recyclers Association. Learn more at www.a-r-a.org . I prefer the second version for YouTube. It gets the point across in two sentences and keeps the focus on the episode rather than the promotion. Chapter Section 00:00 Intro 00:55 Sponsor — ARI Sales Professional 01:54 Growing Up in Rhode Island and Discovering Auto Recycling 11:21 From Parts Puller to the Sales Counter 17:21 Accidentally Becoming an Industry Consultant 18:59 How Trade Shows Changed Everything 22:47 The Mentor Who Changed Ron’s Life 31:18 Building a Consulting Business From the Ground Up 33:23 Leadership Lessons and Managing People 44:00 Why Automotive Recyclers Need ARA 44:38 Sponsor — VIN Match Pro 45:37 Why Great Salespeople Don’t Sell 54:54 The Story Everyone Still Talks About 56:23 Joining AX Payments and Protecting Your Reputation 01:03:02 Should Industry Associations Vet Vendors? 01:19:44 Are Trade Shows Losing Their Value? 01:25:28 Why Some Recyclers Thrive While Others Struggle 01:32:32 The Power of Mentorship 01:42:50 Advice for Every Auto Recycler 01:46:30 Final Thoughts

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