OARA Kicks Off in Niagara: Friday’s presentations include Ryan Mandell tariff talk, young leaders panel, quality control and more

Niagara Falls, Ontario — The Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA) officially kicked off its presentations on Friday, where dozens of auto recycler partners from across Canada came together for plenty of informative sessions.

Following welcome remarks from Greg Woodbeck, chairman of OARA, and Mathieu Dagonas, new OARA executive director, Ryan Mandell of Mitchell International took the stage to provide updates on the market amid U.S. and Canada tariffs.

“Everyone in this room knows the benefit of recycled parts versus an aftermarket part,” he explained. “Automotive recyclers provide OEM parts. These are automatically higher quality than an aftermarket part.

“With the massive ‘Buy Canadian’ movement happening in Canada right now, you can capitalize on this movement. You are a local business, supporting the local economy and are certainly able to aid this mission.”

The Young Leaders Panel, featuring Adam Budden of Auto Parts Network, Tom Charlton of Pro Auto Recyclers in B.C. and Alberta, and Max Winkler of J&B Auto Recyclers followed next.

The trio touched on various points, including industry image and the important role young leaders play in continuing to improve the sector’s image among consumers and the general marketplace, as well as challenges during the ongoing trade wars.

“COVID challenges and tariff challenges are very similar,” said Winkler. “It’s harder to get cars, but I think auto recyclers are more important now than ever.”

Budden added that the other “elephant in the room” has been overheads and ballooning costs.

“There’s a disproportionate increase in regard to purchasing cost and revenues.”

Budden’s advice for up-and-coming youth in the auto parts sector is to never leave your performance groups.

Charlton, who will also serve on tomorrow’s EV panel, was quizzed on his EV knowledge by his panel-mates.

“When we started dabbling in EVs, we were quickly shocked to see they were our biggest performers. We now buy 10 to 15 EVs per month and, while they turn a large profit, we hold onto them longer because they take longer to dismantle and turn over.”

Natalie Miller of Miller’s Auto Recycling and Frank Serravalle of Thorold Automotive Solutions were up next to discuss their experience in quality control of their facility’s parts.

“We all have to get together and define standard procedures and standard grading codes—something that goes across the whole industry,” said Miller.

Prior to an Italian-themed lunch, Becky Turcotte of Millar Private gave a compelling argument on succession planning.

“You can’t plan when you’re going to die; you can’t plan when it is the perfect time to sell your business. You must have a succession plan ready to go at any time."

She presented multiple scenarios where leaving your successors without a plan can result in catastrophe—financially and otherwise.

“The best thing you can do for your business is to sit down for an hour-long conversation with your accountant annually to discuss these topics.”

Stay tuned to Collision Repair magazine for an in-depth article on Turcotte’s presentation.

This is a developing story.