Direction 

The Task At Hand Takes Many Hands

Shannon Nordstrom

The level of commitment and passion of others is so comforting, knowing that we are on the right path together. Many of you have grabbed attention to ask, “How can I help? Just let me know, we are here to help you!”

With the 82nd Annual ARA Convention in Birmingham, Alabama, in the rear-view mirror, I sat on the plane a slight bit tired and reflecting. It was now time to write my first article as the 79th President of the Automotive Recyclers Association. I have read so many of these articles and wondered at what point the realization kicks in of the history that precedes you and the ultimate impact of the responsibilities you have taken on. You do wonder where the time and energy come from, especially given the business they represent and what it takes also to carry out our daily duties.

Now, I am in that position. The musing in my mind is suddenly a reality today. I am confident in my desire, but wonder if I will be able to dedicate the time and energy to give the position the focus it warrants. My mind wanders about what things might happen, or what I can guide to make happen. What will be the “mark” of my term as ARA President, whether it be game-changing for the good or problematic? I think about my family and what changes will take place and what situations might arise that will impact the following year.

I think about our business and want to make sure our tremendous team is equipped to keep our foot on the gas for the growth every business works towards. I want to cover the bases that are needed to make that happen. I am confident in my abilities, but I am also realistic as I think forward to the next 12 months to passing the gavel in Atlanta in 2026. I have taken on a grand responsibility, and I want to do my best.

As I reflect, I realize I should not let my heart be troubled, because there is comfort in some critical areas. Number one, I do NOT have to do it alone. I have merely taken on the role as the “leader of the band,” but there is still a band. I do not have to be a soloist because the ARA has a tremendous executive team.

The EC is a group of 5 dedicated members who work TOGETHER to guide our tremendous team at the ARA home office in Virginia. I am not alone! Sean Krause, Tom Andrade, incoming secretary Emily Yancey, and Immediate Past President Eric Wilbert will continue to work closely with the ARA staff. ARA also has an outstanding Board of Directors, featuring significant industry talent from around the world. They are ready and equipped to guide and approve our ideas, policies, and standards in response to industry issues.

ARA Executive Director Vince Edivan has done a tremendous job in his first full year in his new role. He and Jessica Andrews, Senior Director of Association Operations, are working to solidify ARA’s business. With the help of an amazing effort by ARA member Amber Kendrick, owner of Pete’s Auto Parts and Chair of the ARA Awareness Committee, along with the volunteers in the committee, we have implemented a new association website. Furthermore, Vince, Jessica, and the staff have implemented a new internal management system that is “hardwired” together with it. These changes will allow longtime staffer Kelly Badillo, Senior Director of Member Services, and new employee Tiffany Jackson, Administrative Assistant, to work with confidence, knowing that the connected systems and improvements to the communications and systems used will deliver a solid, improved member experience.

I can rest assured that Emil Nusbaum, Vice President of Strategy, Government and Regulatory Affairs, is working with an amazingly dedicated volunteer Government Affairs Committee – its Chair, Slater Shroyer, GM of

“The level of commitment and passion of others is so comforting, knowing that we are on the right path together. Many of you have grabbed attention to ask,

“How can I help? Just let me know, we are here to help you!””

Shroyer’s Auto Parts, will be representing ARA in vital advocacy and policy work at the heart of all that ARA does. I can rest assured that our business dealings are in good hands with our veteran counsel, Rod Nydam, a South Dakota native who has done so much to ensure ARA is in good hands.

All of these people, along with our other dedicated committee chairs and volunteers, operate with a level of cooperation, inspiration, and integrity that gives me solace that ARA is in good hands and I don’t have to do it alone.

The level of commitment and passion of others is so comforting, knowing that we are on the right path together. Many of you have grabbed my attention to ask, “How can I help? Just let me know, we are here to help you!” It is a reminder of the greatness of this industry and of the many tremendous relationships I have formed since attending the first conference in Denver in 1996.

The 82nd Annual ARA Convention and Exposition in Birmingham, just like others, was deeply impactful. There were tremendous keynotes and breakout sessions, and the feedback was very positive. The vendors supporting our industry were there in full force, showcasing their services and products. We welcome your feedback so we can focus on improvement. The ARA team, including our new event planner Jennifer Johnson, will continue to build on the progress of 2025 to make Atlanta 2026 even better yet!

The fundraising for the ARTI Scholarship Program was OFF THE CHARTS successful. Thank you to everyone who stepped up as we raised just short of $100,000 to help this important legacy of our association. As all this was occurring, the networking and side meetings were equally valuable. A huge THANK YOU to everyone involved.

For me personally, Birmingham 2026 will always be remembered as a moment of pride for our family and company history. I was beaming as I looked into the audience during my acceptance speech to see my Mom and Dad, Art and Marie Nordstrom, beaming back at me. In the late 60s, they took the initial risks on our family dairy farm to start fixing up wrecked pick-ups and grain trucks, out of the necessity of survival. Initially, my Mom welcomed the faith in Jesus, which would lead to PTLA being part of what we are about. My wife Tamie, who has supported and advised me, along with our three wonderful children – Riley and his wife Tayhgen, Madisen and her husband Max, and our youngest Ava – were smiling back at me too.

I saw our management team, which has my back and has worked together for so many years, smiling with pride, too. And I scanned the room to see friends in business partnerships, fellow members, and vendors with whom I have the privilege of working, knowing that we are connected and part of something special. Finally, I could see the leaders of other organizations, such as URG and Team PRP, with whom ARA has bolstered relations and who have a cooperative spirit to work towards a more unified industry.

It is a special thing we work within, this Automotive Recycling Industry. I write this article with humbleness, pride, and confidence that I am ready to lead the Automotive Recyclers Association for the following year.

I will lean on the experiences I have and the connections we have made. Thank you all, I will do my best!