Auto Recycler’s Northeast News
A Winning Conference!
The automotive recycling industry came together in style for the 2025 ARNE Summit & Expo, held from September 18 to 20 at the stunning Hilton Hotel in Albany, NY. Hosted by the Automotive Recyclers Association of New York (ARANY), the event provided a powerful combination of professional development, networking, and industry celebration, leaving attendees energized and ready to take their businesses to new heights.
From start to finish, the ARNE Summit lived up to its reputation as one of the year’s most impactful gatherings for auto recyclers, vendors, and partners. With top-tier speakers, informative panel discussions, a bustling expo hall, and plenty of fun, it was an unforgettable experience.
Powered by Strong Partnerships
The Summit’s success was made possible thanks to the generous support, beginning with sponsors. Platinum sponsors eBay Motors and Online Parts Depot set the pace with their high-level commitment. Gold sponsors PMR and Tracey Road, along with Silver sponsors Elemental North America and URG, played critical roles in ensuring a well-rounded program. The Executive Partner Level brought together a powerhouse lineup including AMWINS, Axe Payments, Car-Part.com, Cyclic Materials, Buffalo Engine Components, Bishop International, Inc., and Reman Group Engines. Partner Level sponsors Auto Data Direct and Maxcore rounded out the impressive roster.
Of course, this exciting event would not have been possible without the many vendors who participated in the trade show. There are too many of them for me to list here, as it would make this article too long. Therefore, please visit the ARANY website to learn more about who they are and the services and products they offer to the industry: arany.com.
The combined support from sponsors and vendors underscored a united industry, investing in the advancement of recycling businesses across the Northeast and beyond.
Big Ideas from Big Thinkers
The heart of any great conference lies in the knowledge shared, and this year’s Summit did not disappoint.
• Cyber Security & AI Tech: Gex Williams delivered timely insights into the digital challenges and opportunities facing recyclers in an age where technology is rapidly transforming operations.
• Customer Insight Panel: A unique session featuring body shops and insurance representatives gave recyclers a candid look at what customers really want – and how businesses can better deliver.
• Sales & Shipping Tools: Josh Reed provided practical tips and advice for shipping products from today’s modern recycling facility. Meanwhile, Jer Banta led an open forum auto recycling roundtable, offering valuable insights and discussion.
A Standout Presentation
Tom Andrade (Everett’s Auto Parts) and Tessa Fiscella (Metalico Rochester), took the audience behind the scenes of material harvesting prior to crushing. Their session offered a rare deep dive into maximizing profitability before vehicles hit the shredder, with lessons on stripping drivetrains, catalytic converters, wiring harnesses, and more. They emphasized selling to multiple shredders, careful safety practices, and the crucial role of high-value material recovery.
The session also peeled back the curtain on the industrial shredding process itself where 4,000-horsepower machines reduce vehicles and even airplanes to recyclable materials. With only 22–24% of a vehicle ending up as non-recyclable fluff, the recycling industry’s role in sustainability was on full display.
Quality at the Core
Another highlight was the panel “QC is at the Heart of Everything We Do,” moderated by Amanda Morrison and featuring Natalie Miller, Aaron Wilbert, and Ian Yeager. This dynamic session reminded everyone that success in recycling comes down to quality.
The discussion tackled hot topics such as:
• The power of certification and training, with ARA and URG joining forces to standardize quality assurance.
• Inventory audits, from quarterly checks to daily micro-audits, ensure customers get the right parts the first time.
• The rising importance of photo documentation, where clear, high-quality images now drive sales more than written descriptions.
• Managing customer expectations, including cross-training staff to speak the same language when it comes to damage codes.
• Looking ahead to AI, which is reshaping communication, inventory accuracy, and sales channels.
The panel made it clear: quality isn’t just a box to check – it’s the lifeblood of customer loyalty and long-term growth.
Networking, Fun, and Community
Of course, no ARNE Summit would be complete without time to build relationships and celebrate. This year’s schedule struck the perfect balance between work and play.
The expo hall buzzed with activity as attendees explored the latest products, services, and technology from leading vendors. Round table discussions offered peer-to-peer learning and gave recyclers a chance to exchange solutions to common challenges. And when the business day ended, the fun began—complete with Casino Night, auction events, and raffle drawings that had the whole crowd smiling.
The countdown to 2026 has already begun. If this year was any indication, the bar has been set high for the future! Set your calendar for ARNE 26, on Sept. 17-19, 2026, at Resorts World Catskills.
Mike French is retired after 39 years of business in the automotive recycling industry. He is an author, publisher, consultant, and speaker. Mike is the founder and executive director of the Christian Auto Recyclers and Vendors Association (CARVA) and will be at upcoming recycler trade shows and events. Mike is available to speak at your group, conference, or event. He loves to share inspirational stories that demonstrate how the Word of God actively changes lives.
He can be reached at mike@carva.group. Visit www.CARVA.group and/or www.PowerPackedPromises.com.
