The Independent’s Corner With Ron Wilbert
The Big Shift – Transitioning to Generations
Ron Wilbert
We will put our faith in an abundance of remaining rock-steady GenX leaders and charged-up Millennials and Gen Zers who are moving into leadership!
Heading home from the great 82nd ARA Convention and Expo in Birmingham, Alabama. Upon returning, I had some time to think as we had a three-hour layover in Orlando. You are probably asking yourself why we flew south when we live in upstate New York, and I did too, but only Southwest Airlines knows that answer.
Anyways, a realization came over me. Our convention and ARA staff have been taken over! This was not a hostile takeover but instead one that I am very proud of. Many of the organizations and clubs we are involved in have had the same leadership for so long that the organizations will die when their leaders do. My generation of recyclers – the baby boomers – has been pretty much in charge for a long time and has done a great job. Two great examples are recent past presidents Nick Dario, Daurio Auto – Truck, Inc., and Marty Hollingshead, Northlake Auto Recyclers. Their invaluable wisdom contributed significantly to the development of the ARA. But folks, I believe they are the last of the “boomers” to be at the helm of ARA.
So it is not a matter of what is coming; it is more about what is here. We will put our faith in an abundance of remaining rock-steady GenX leaders and charged-up Millennials and Gen Zers who are moving into leadership! So how and why have we been so blessed by all this youth and their great enthusiasm to be Recyclers?
I believe it is because these young Independent managers and owners have unlimited opportunities to control their own destinies and prove their entrepreneurial spirit. It’s also obvious to me that the influx of consolidators has created a whole new wave of Independents who have dramatically improved their existing businesses or opened new shops in areas that used to be dominated by large, strong Independents
“We will put our faith in an abundance of remaining rock-steady GenX leaders and charged-up Millennials and Gen Zers who are moving into leadership!”
who have sold their business to make way for retirement.
The Independent advantage allows many to use their marketing strategies to outmaneuver the big guys easily. I was amazed by the attendees I met at the show who were there for the first time and were so excited to learn and gain a deeper understanding of the business. One great example was Natasha Broxton of Select Auto Parts in Milwaukee, WI. She, like many others, feels their chance to build a legacy as a family-owned Independent auto recycler is as good now as it’s ever been.
Speaking of a strong legacy independent auto recycler, I would like to congratulate Shannon Nordstrom, Nordstrom’s Automotive, on becoming the newest president of the Association, which is long overdue. He has been giving his time and talent to all of us for many years as part of the Certification Committee, and his family business is a great example of what can be achieved with dedication.
Finally, to my son, Eric Wilbert, also an amazing independent auto recycler and the immediate past president of ARA, you did a great job. You made your Wilbert Family proud with your dedication to the Industry.
‘Till next time,
Ron Wilbert
Ron Wilbert is a second-generation recycler who is proud to have all four of his sons and his one stepson involved in the Family Business: Brian, Eric, Aaron, Daniel Wilbert, and Matthew Hayes. Wilbert’s has 15 family members involved in the business to help manage their 8 locations in New York and Ohio.
