Set against the stunning backdrop of Niagara Falls, the Ontario Auto Recycling Convention and Trade Show drew a record-breaking crowd of 450 attendees from March 27 to 29. Over two days filled with insightful presentations, panel discussions, yard tours, and vibrant networking, the central theme of collaboration echoed throughout. However, the highlight of the event was a heartfelt tribute to Executive Director Steve Fletcher, honoring his retirement after 30 years of dedicated leadership and service to the industry.
After delegates were welcomed by the association Chairman Greg Woodbeck from Woodbeck Auto Parts, the first keynote speaker of the day was Ryan Mandell of Mitchell International, who delivered a data-rich call to action for recyclers navigating rising repair costs, insurance shifts, and looming tariffs. “There’s more opportunity than ever before,” said Mandell, highlighting how growing deductibles and customer-pay repairs are putting cost-effective recycled parts in the spotlight.
He urged the industry to stop shelving ADAS components and start building trust through quality controls and creative resale strategies. “These systems will be core in five years,” he warned.
Mandell emphasized that recyclers’ transparent, local supply chains now offer a competitive edge as OEM and aftermarket parts face global tariff pressures. With recycled parts saving insurers double the value of aftermarket, he challenged the industry to boost market share beyond the stagnant 6%. “You already do the hard part,” he said. “Now’s the time to maximize visibility, consistency, and credibility.”
Following Ryan’s presentation, it was time for a panel discussion from OARA’s Young Leaders, Tom Charlton (Pro Auto Recyclers), Max Winkler (J&B Auto), and Adam Budden (Auto Parts Network), who shared some unfiltered insight on the industry challenges and transformation. “Complacency is a dangerous word,” warned Budden, highlighting rising overheads and the need for lean thinking. Charlton, who built a structured three-month training program, emphasized modernizing both workforce and image. “There’s no handbook on selling auto parts, so we made one.” Winkler stressed the importance of changing public perception: “We’re not junkyards, we’re professionals.” EVs sparked debate, with Charlton noting they’re “our most profitable, but slowest-turning” vehicles. Despite regional differences, all agreed that collaboration is key. “A rising tide lifts all ships,” Charlton added, underscoring a shared commitment to elevate the industry.
Next to take the stage were Frank Serravalle from Thorold Auto Solutions and Natalie Miller from Miller’s Auto Recycling, who focused on quality control and shared how their businesses are integrating it into every step, from vehicle intake to final delivery. Spurred by a pilot project with Intact Insurance, both companies overhauled their processes to cut down on costly returns and improve communication with body shops.
They advocated for industry-wide standards, highlighting tools like the Parts Preparation and Shipping Guidelines. As Serravalle put it, “There’s a solution where insurers, shops, and recyclers all win, but only if we follow through.”
The next topic on the agenda was ‘Succession Planning 2.0.’, where Becky Turcotte of Millar Private offered a tax-focused, technical take: “It’s more than death and taxes… it’s about transferring your business, whether to family, employees, or a third party.” With support from investment and insurance specialists, Millar Private presented a holistic model to help business owners preserve wealth and plan transitions. “We’re not just setting you up for the big event, we’re minimizing taxes along the way,” Turcotte said the message was clear: future-proofing starts with informed, proactive planning.
After lunch, the second keynote presentation of the day was given by ARA President and third-generation leader of Wilbert Family Enterprises, Eric Wilbert, who shared the evolution of his family’s seven-location recycling operation.
From a post-war Buick yard to a multi-site enterprise across New York and Ohio, Wilbert credited their success to adaptability, collaboration, and consistency. Joining the PRP network, once opposed by his grandfather, proved pivotal. “It was the most important decision our generation made,” Wilbert said.
The Wilberts’ growth has often meant rolling up their sleeves, reviving struggling yards and even rebuilding after a fire gutted their first self-service site in 2013. Through it all, their motto stands: “Work hard, play hard, pray hard.”
Wilbert emphasized culture, governance, and the importance of clear purpose, especially in generational businesses. “The ‘why’ behind what you’re changing is more important than the change itself,” he noted.
His message to recyclers was clear: collaboration, consistency, and culture are the keys to staying competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
With the morning sessions concluded, the afternoon was dedicated to networking in the exhibition space with a trade show, which featured 52 from Canada and the USA. Highlights included a prize raffle that raised $38,000 for the OARA Employee Scholarship Program, along with a standing dinner and bar.
Day two began with a recap of the Recycled Auto Parts Stakeholder Roundtable held on Thursday before the Convention, with approximately 90 people in attendance. This was led by Greg Woodbeck and incoming Executive Director Mathieu P. Dagonas. Woodbeck said, “We came out of the roundtable with a desire to make things better, to get more recycled parts on estimates.” One of the primary obstacles was the lack of clarity in part descriptions and damage codes, something repair shops identified as a significant issue. He noted that a new working group is now in development, aiming to bring recyclers, insurers, and repairers into alignment. Dagonas described the session as “optimistic,” adding, “This is my bread and butter.” Real progress, it seems, is finally on the table.
Next, Carly Masters of Dom’s Auto Parts delivered a session on branding and marketing for auto recyclers. Drawing from her agency background, she emphasized the importance of consistency, professionalism, and a strong digital presence. “We’re just trying to make everybody look good,” she said as she outlined practical tips like updating logos, maintaining Google profiles, and using social media with purpose. As chair of OARA’s new Marketing Committee, Masters is driving efforts to modernize the industry’s image and make marketing approachable, saying, “You don’t need a course—just a clear message and some consistency.”
Following Carly, a lively panel on recycled parts quality control, moderated by Natalie Miller, made one thing clear: quality isn’t a department; it’s a mindset.
Trevor Nissen (Hank’s Auto Wreckers), Sean McCooey (Miller’s Auto Recycling), and Jeff McGregor (McGregor Auto Parts) shared how communication, photos, and training are transforming QC into a yard-wide effort. “Our QC starts when the car comes in,” said McCooey. “The QC department should just be prepping clean parts, not fixing issues.”
Returns were tackled head-on, with trust, responsiveness, and prevention as key themes. “Sometimes it’s about working with the customer, not just taking it back,” added McGregor. The takeaway, as McCooey put it, was, “If we all bring better parts to market, we all win. A rising tide lifts all boats.”
Next was Corey Earl (Hotch’s Auto Parts), Tom Charlton (Pro Auto Recyclers) and Dave Langille (Langille’s Truck Parts), who tackled the topic of EV dismantling with clarity and confidence. “They’re like Lego cars,” said Charlton of Teslas, noting strong margins on parts like charge ports and even door handles fetching up to $800. Safety was a top priority. “Create a process, train your people, and don’t deviate,” warned Langille. Both stressed the need for proper tools and procedures when working with high-voltage systems.
While the battery resale market is shifting, opportunities remain—especially in conversions and off-grid energy. “You’re already a gambler if you’re in this business,” Langille added. “Throw the dice.”
Their message: learn, adapt, and get involved. “It’s still a car,” Langille concluded. “Just a different kind.”
Continuing on the theme of EVs, Greg Aguilera of International Auto Consultants delivered a blunt message: handling EVs safely isn’t optional; it’s essential. With 27% of new vehicles in Ontario now hybrids or EVs, recyclers face rising exposure to high-voltage risks. “This isn’t about fear, it’s about risk mitigation,” Aguilera said.
“You’re not just handling cars; you’re handling containers of stored energy,” he warned, citing fires that reignite days later. Aguilera’s advice: “If it’s not us, pick someone. Train your team. Profit follows safety.” The EV shift isn’t coming—it’s here. Recyclers who invest in training now will lead tomorrow’s market.
The final panel discussion of the conference revolved around hiring & retention, which offered an honest, boots-on-the-ground look at workforce challenges facing auto recyclers. With Shannon Nordstrom (Nordstrom’s Automotive), Denis Desjardins (S&S Auto Parts) and Jeff Lanoue (A&L Auto Recyclers), the session focused on actionable solutions, not just theory. Sales and dismantler positions remain tough to fill, and wages are rising fast. “What used to be a $20/hour job is now a $30 job,” said Nordstrom. To stay competitive, panelists shared creative approaches: profit-sharing models, tool stipends, and pay-for-performance structures.
Nordstrom detailed a quarterly “Crop Shares” bonus program and individualized onboarding binders. “Make what’s important to them important to you,” he advised. Lanoue emphasized empathy and communication citing a dismantler in crisis who was offered counseling. Desjardins focused on connection: “We need them, and they need us.”
From personalized welcomes to Friday lunches and cross-training rotations, the panel underscored that culture, care, and creativity are more critical than ever. As Nordstrom put it, “This is a rodeo, you just don’t know what bull you’re going to draw.”
With the event drawing towards an end, it was time for the main event of the conference, which was the celebration of Steve Fletcher, who had been the association’s executive Director and was stepping down from the role after 30 years.
People from both past and present chapters of OARA, along with guests from abroad, including Auto Recycling World’s Haydn Davies, delivered speeches that were equally poignant and humorous. Their reflections highlighted Steve’s remarkable contributions to auto recycling, not just within the association but across Canada and internationally.
Wayne Gates, MPP for Niagara Falls, Fort Erie & Niagara-on-the-Lake, also took the stage, speaking about the vital role auto recycling plays in the region and praising Steve’s dedication to the cause. He presented Steve with a special certificate in recognition of his impact.
Although the event was largely lighthearted, there were emotional moments, none more powerful than the surprise appearance of Anisa Elder, whom Steve first met when she was just seven years old through the association’s involvement with the Sunshine Foundation. The charity fulfils dreams for children facing severe physical, developmental, or emotional challenges, often from traumatic circumstances, and whose families face financial hardship.
Steve, along with others from the association, helped raise funds to charter a flight to Disneyworld, a trip that began a lasting bond between them. Since then, the association has raised hundreds of thousands of Canadian dollars for the foundation.
When Anisa, now studying pre-medicine, walked on stage to present Steve with a special gift from the association, the moment was emotional for both Steve and the audience.
Then, it was Steve’s turn to speak. Sporting a Hawaiian shirt and already dreaming of his next vacation, he delivered a heartfelt farewell, looking back on three decades of service. He spoke about the evolution of the industry, paid tribute to his family, and expressed gratitude to the many people who had become friends along the way.
Mathieu Dagonas will replace Steve Fletcher as the Executive Director of the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association and whose presence in hosting and organising the conference with the Board proved that the association is in very capable hands as it grows and provides valuable support and a voice for its members and the auto recycling industry.