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Auto Recycling eNewsletter
For immediate release - January 2004
Written and published by Ron Sturgeon, http://www.autosalvageconsultant.com, email to email Ron Sturgeon
To register for future free issues, visit AutoSalvageConsultant.com/subscribe.htm
Don’t forget to watch for our management articles monthly in Recyclers Power Source Magazine, or posted at our web site.
As I reported last month, Copart has now installed their new VB2 product at 100% of their sites. They now have no live auctions. I asked all the recipients of my newsletter to let me know how it was affecting their bidding practices and prices. I only received a few responses, so please send me an email so I can report on this next month. Email me at email Ron Sturgeon. (Just click on this link)
Since my last report in November, it has hit $18.00, and is hovering at about $17.90, up about 25% from its opening price.
URG (United Recyclers Group) has announced that its conference will be held in Denver, April 23-24. They will feature a full array of management and operating seminars, on topics as diverse as using the Internet more effectively to advertising for your yard. Non-URG partners are welcome and cost is about $150.00
IT will be hosted in Chicago on April 30, 2004 and May 1, 2004, and if past conventions are any indication, attendance will be good. IT focuses on products and services for the industry, with a full array of vendors exhibiting.
I have been asked to speak at both conferences and am making final arrangements. I also expect that other staff members from autosalvageconsultant.com will be speaking.
Dodge Comes Under
Fire fro Raunchy Commercial
Dodge dealers are cringing about the new commercial airing (and also being distributed on the internet). The commercial involves a debate about whether size matters. Really it’s about their new Durango, but has two men at urinals in the men’s room, looking at a poster, while a third man (who is startled) inside a stall doesn’t know what they are talking about.
Insurance Auto
Auction Reports Negative Affect of its New Technology System
IAA reported to investors that problems with its new
information technology system, which is supposed to streamline operations,
negatively impacted its financial performance for the quarter. They have been rolling it out over the last
year, designed to make its Internet marketing efforts more competitive with
other industry players. David Montgomery, Sr. VP of operations and COO for the
company will now be directly responsible for the system initiative. Montgomery is past CEO of GreenLeaf, Ford’s
auto recycling venture; which was sold in 2003. IAA is also adding new
locations.
How’s
Business?
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"The discipline of writing
something down is the first step toward making it happen." |
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- Lee Iacocca |
It never ceases to amaze me how most recyclers never create a written plan, with goals, for their operation. Without measurable goals and milestones, driven by changed business practices, how can you expect to reach the goal? This is the time of year when you should be thinking about such a plan. Your accountant can help you, or find a business friend, or even a student majoring in accounting or business. They would love the practical experience. Make sure your plan is driven from the bottom up, i.e., how are you going to change purchasing, and dismantling, to influence the top line. It isn’t enough to just assume you can grow the top line without understanding the underlying principles. One of our staff members, Mike Gibson, is a past controller for Waste Management, AAA Small Car World (and the six Texas recycling locations), Greenleaf, and North Texas Insurance Auctions. He is an expert at such plans, and is always available to help, give him a call at 817-925-8430. He is much more than a controller, he understands the operational side of this business very well.
AutoSalvageconsultant.com was formed in 2001 to help recyclers improve their businesses. With over 50 years of experience in 3 staff members, the group is THE definitive source for recyclers’ management and training needs. The founder, Ron Sturgeon is past owner of AAA Small Car World. In 1999, he sold his six Texas locations, with 140 employees, to Greenleaf. In 2001, he founded North Texas Insurance Auction, which he sold to Copart in 2002. In 2002, his book “Salvaging Millions” was published to help small business owners achieve significant success, and was recently reprinted. In June 2003, he joined the new ownership and management team of GreenLeaf. He also manages his real estate holdings and investments. You can learn more about how to help your business at www.autosalvageconsultant.com He can be reached at 5940 Eden, Haltom City, TX 76117, (preferably) email Ron Sturgeon or 817-834-3625 ext 6#.