Professional automotive recycler Shannon Nordstrom of Nordstrom Automotive in Garretson, South Dakota was recently welcomed as the new President of the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA). Nordstrom was formally confirmed as President on October 17, 2025, during the Association’s 82nd Annual Convention and Exposition in Birmingham, Alabama. Nordstrom has been an active ARA volunteer for many years in his capacity as Chair of the Certification Committee and has served on ARA’s Executive Committee since 2022.
“I stand here tonight as one of you, a proud automotive recycler,” said Nordstrom in his first remarks as Association President. “I am someone that has benefited from being part of the ARA community since attending my first Convention in Denver in 1996. My experience of growing our business with the help of many, some that are in this very room tonight, inspires me to lead and give back to the industry that I love. We are not perfect, but we will do our best and we will all continue to grow and learn together. My experience of my journey will be used to help lead the Executive Committee as we work together for the best interest of our members and the industry. I am prepared and ready to lead ARA for the next year.”
Shannon is the Vice President and General Manager of Nordstrom’s Automotive Inc. He and his wife Tamie are the owners of the operation that has 80 employees. Nordstrom’s has different divisions including Full-Service Automotive Recycling, Ewe Pullet Self-Service Used Auto Parts, Nordstrom’s Repairables, and Nordstrom’s Installation and Diagnostic Center.
Nordstrom’s unexpected business was born on their family’s rural dairy farm by Art and Marie Nordstrom, Shannon’s parents, who were in attendance in Birmingham as their son began his tenure as Association President. The business was started from the necessity to survive and guided by their family’s hard work and newfound faith. Shannon joined his parents full-time in 1988 with five employees. Working together, they have been able to learn and reach new goals every year. The business is located on the same land today and has grown to be a nationally recognized Certified Automotive Recycler.
Nordstrom’s Automotive, Inc. has been members of ARA since 1983 and Shannon has been Chair of the ARA Certification Committee since 2002. Nordstrom’s is also a member of URG and a proud member of Team PRP. Shannon is one of the founders of the Nationally Syndicated “Under the Hood Show with the Motor Medics” show on Radio, Podcast and just recently adding video on YouTube. Nordstrom’s was the ARA CAR Star award winner in 2018 and Shannon has twice been recognized as ARA Member of the Year in 2015 and 2021.
“We started our improvements at Nordstrom’s Automotive Inc. with the ARA Certification Program (CAR), and that’s why I’m so passionate about it,” says Nordstrom. “My parents, Tamie, and I, working alongside our dynamic team, have transformed our small recycling junkyard built within the family dairy farm, in the middle of nowhere, into one of the more advanced facilities in the country. We utilized our relationships with ARA peers and mentors, as well as the knowledge gained from the events. I did not do all this without ARA, and I respect that, and I want to pay it forward.”
Nordstrom is helping to spearhead a new certification that is a joint effort between ARA and URG. “ARA and URG are working together on a quality assurance program to improve upon the retiring ARA Gold Seal Program. Before the convention, we had our first marketing meeting for the new program. It’s not officially named yet. The CAR Program signifies that a facility has its brick-and-mortar in order, including approaches to environmental responsibility, safety, curbside appeal, licensing, insurance, etc.
This new, improved program is merging the best of the ARA Gold Seal Program, URG’s standards, and ISO 7000/8000/9000 quality programs. We are now prototyping and seeking our first members to walk through it with us. It is going to open doors when it is released.
“I’m excited to take it to the next level, and with the combined efforts of ARA and URG we will make sure to include all the right elements. The vision for the program is to stay ahead of potential trouble spots that could impede our members’ businesses.”
“Shannon’s passion and enthusiasm for the professional automotive recycling industry is contagious,” said ARA Executive Director, Vince Edivan. “He is a born leader with the skills to bring the best out of any team. He is diplomatic, optimistic, and generous with his time and energy. I look forward to having him at the helm of ARA and am excited about what we will accomplish together over the next year.”
