Auto Recycler’s Midwest News
On August 15–16, 2025, I had the privilege of attending the MIDWEST Summit & Expo, held at the beautiful Hilton Hotel Frontenac in St. Louis, Missouri. From the moment I arrived, it was clear this event would be something special. Nearly a hundred automotive recyclers gathered from across four states – Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, and Ohio – making the Summit feel both like a regional family reunion and a forward-looking industry showcase. With 27 leading vendors on display and a robust lineup of speakers, the energy in the room was nothing short of inspiring.
This outstanding event was organized by Executive Director Sandy Blalock, whose tireless dedication and attention to detail ensured that everything ran smoothly. She and her team deserve a huge thank-you for putting together a conference that left us better informed, better connected, and, frankly, more excited about the future of auto recycling.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors – Car-Part.com, Maxcore, National Reinsurance, SOLERA/Hollander, URG, G-Cor, and Auto Data Direct. Their commitment to our industry not only made this Summit possible but also demonstrated the vital role strong partnerships play in advancing automotive recycling.
A Showcase of Innovation
Walking through the vendor area, I was struck by the variety and quality of products and services on display. From technology platforms to insurance solutions, from data management to core recovery, these vendors brought tools and ideas that can make a real difference in our day-to-day operations. What impressed me most was their willingness to engage, answer questions, and truly listen to the needs of recyclers. It was clear that they weren’t just selling – they were collaborating with us to build stronger businesses and a stronger industry.
Cybersecurity: A Wake-Up Call We Can’t Ignore
One of the most eye-opening sessions came from Cameron Kinsey, who presented on Cybersecurity Lessons from Ransomware. Just weeks before the Summit, a ransomware attack hit our industry, shutting down operations and highlighting vulnerabilities many of us may not have realized existed.
Cameron walked us through what happened, explaining how misconfigured remote management software created the opening for hackers. His message was crystal clear: we can no longer afford to be casual about cybersecurity. With many of our systems still running on legacy software designed decades ago, the risks are higher than ever.
He emphasized the importance of a zero trust security model, strong endpoint protection, and – perhaps most critical – robust local and cloud backups. Cameron reminded us that the difference between being down for 30 minutes and being down for a week can come down to whether you’ve invested in proper backups.
I came away from his session both sobered and encouraged. Sobered because the threat is real and growing. Encouraged because the solutions are within reach if we take them seriously. For me, this session underscored a theme that ran throughout the conference: we must be proactive, not reactive, if we want to protect our businesses.
Collision Industry Challenges: A Candid Look from the Other Side
Another powerful presentation came from John Melendez, a collision shop owner with more than 20 years of experience. John pulled back the curtain on the challenges faced by the collision repair industry, and his honesty was refreshing.
He spoke about the ever-growing complexity of modern vehicles, with advanced materials, sensors, and OEM repair protocols making repairs more challenging than ever. He also highlighted the influence insurance companies have on shops and how those pressures often clash with doing what’s best for consumers.
What stood out most to me was his perspective on parts. While his shop prefers OEM parts, John acknowledged the vital role recyclers play – especially when OEM parts are back-ordered or unavailable. His remarks were both a challenge and an opportunity for us as recyclers: if we can continue to provide high-quality, dependable recycled parts, we will remain essential partners in this increasingly complex repair ecosystem.
He also touched on technician shortages and the importance of training programs like ICAR. His encouragement for recyclers to get involved in workforce development was inspiring. As he put it, the future of both collision repair and recycling depends on collaboration, education, and mutual respect.
EOS Model: A Roadmap for Business Success
Another session I want to highlight was given by Dale Boone, who introduced us to the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). While cybersecurity and collision repair dealt with external pressures, Dale focused inward – on how we manage and grow our businesses.
He outlined six key components that every successful business needs: Vision, People, Data, Issues, Process, and Traction. Using practical tools like the Vision Traction Organizer, the People Analyzer, and measurable scorecards, Dale showed us how to bring structure and clarity to our organizations.
What struck me was how relatable his examples were. When he asked how many of us felt like the business was running us instead of the other way around, nearly every hand went up. That honesty created a powerful moment of connection – we all realized we’re not alone in these struggles. Dale’s message was simple but profound: if we strengthen these six components, we can regain control, scale more effectively, and build businesses that thrive not only today but for years to come.
More Than Sessions: The Power of Community
While the speaker sessions were outstanding, what made this Summit truly memorable was the spirit of community. Between sessions, over meals, and in the hallways, recyclers swapped stories, shared solutions, and built relationships. I met new friends and reconnected with familiar faces, and I came away reminded that our industry is full of resilient, creative, and generous people.
The Hilton Hotel Frontenac provided a beautiful backdrop, with its elegant atmosphere adding to the sense of occasion. But the real beauty was in the people gathered – their passion for recycling, their commitment to excellence, and their willingness to learn and grow together.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on the MIDWEST Summit & Expo, I feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to attend. I left with a notebook full of ideas, a renewed commitment to strengthening my own business, and a sense of excitement about where our industry is headed.
Events like this remind me why I love being part of the automotive recycling community. We are not just in the business of parts – we are in the business of innovation, problem-solving, and sustainability. When we come together to share knowledge and support one another, we elevate the entire industry.
I want to again thank Sandy Blalock and her team for organizing such a stellar event, the sponsors and vendors for their vital support, and every recycler who made the effort to attend. Together, we proved once again that the future of auto recycling is bright.
I am already looking forward to next year’s Summit. If you missed this one, make it a priority to join us next time. Trust me – you’ll leave inspired, equipped, and proud to be part of this incredible industry.
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.
