Toronto, Ontario -- On Friday, September 12th, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the All Access with Andy Garcia Premiere Event in Fort Worth, Texas — a milestone evening for the United Recyclers Group and the entire auto recycling community.
Hosted at the iconic Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, the night combined a professionally produced television screening with a warm, outdoor Texas setting that made for an unforgettable experience.
The centerpiece of the evening was the debut of a short but powerful video segment showcasing our industry in a fresh, positive light. Featuring thoughtful contributions from Kristi Werner, Kelly Roepke, and Matt Carman, the segment highlighted the many beneficial aspects of what professional auto recyclers and dismantlers do every day.
Their words were not only eloquent but impactful — conveying the value we provide to consumers, industry partners, and stakeholders while moving us further away from outdated stereotypes of the “junk yard dog” era.
The screening was met with enthusiastic applause, as everyone in attendance — from leaders of URG, ARA and Team PRP to partners from across the U.S. and Canada — recognized the importance of sharing our story with a wider audience. This is more than just a video — it’s a tool we can all use to elevate our industry’s stature and to demonstrate the professionalism, environmental responsibility, and innovation at the heart of auto recycling today.
The evening itself was flawlessly executed, thanks to the tireless work of the URG team. From the welcoming remarks delivered by CEO Kristi Werner, which set a celebratory tone, to the smooth flow of the dinner, networking, and afterparty, everything ran without a hitch. It was clear that much thoughtful planning went on behind the scenes to create a space where industry leaders could connect, share ideas, and celebrate this collective achievement.
As an attendee, I came away deeply impressed not only by the polished production but by the spirit of collaboration and pride that filled the room. Events like this remind us how vital it is to come together, recognize our progress, and continue to push our industry forward. The momentum created by this project will serve us all in the months and years ahead.
On behalf of URG and my fellow auto recyclers, I extend heartfelt thanks to our event sponsors — including eBay Motors and EzSuite — as well as many others, and to everyone who helped make this celebration possible.
Our story has gone to television — and the world is beginning to see auto recycling for what it truly is: an essential, forward-looking industry we can all be proud of.
