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Guest Speakers
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Adam Helbling
In 2005, Adam Helbling left his hometown of Stow, Ohio, to attend Ohio State University on a full scholarship. There, he became involved with Mount Leadership Society Scholars Program and served as the caption of the Ohio State Waterski Team. As a successful water-skier, Adam won a national championship for show skiing and a state championship for slalom skiing. In 2008, he was accepted into the Sphinx Senior Class Honorary, which is the highest honor that can be accorded a student at Ohio State University.
In the fall of 2008, Adam experienced his first manic episode and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. After his recovery, he led the Ohio State Waterski Team to the 2010 Division II national title. In January 2011, he suffered his second manic episode, which led to a near-fatal car accident. He was left paralyzed from the chest down.
After his accident he returned to Ohio State and finished his degree in Civil Engineering. He started sharing his story through public speaking and through his blog in order to raise awareness about bipolar disorder and spinal cord injuries. He has never regained the ability to walk.
Adam originally chose to become a civil engineer so that he could build waterski lakes, but now he wants to make this world a better place for people with disabilities. He intends to be a grant writer to build housing and vacation housing for people with physical disabilities. He recently finished a book titled Well... I Guess I'm Not Jesus that he is working on getting published. He hopes to find a successful career as an author, public speaker, and grant writer. |
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Chris Wright
ARA President
Chris Wright started his career in the automotive recycling industry as a boy working part-time at his father's recycling facility, Capital Auto Parts, Inc., located in Thomasville, GA. After graduating from college in 1991, Chris returned to work at his father's business full time. Chris became the manager of the facility in 1994 and then President of the company in 1998. Chris has served on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Automotive Recyclers Association (GARA) since 1999 and served as its President from 2004-2007. In in 2003-2004 , Chris also served as a Regional Director of the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA), an international association representing the interest of over 4,500 auto recycling facilities in the United States and fourteen other countries around the world. Chris was selected to serve on the Executive Committee of ARA in 2009 and is currently serving as its President. |
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Clark Plucinski
Executive Director, Collision Repair Education Foundation
Mr. Plucinski has 40 years of industry experience starting as a Collision Repair Technician in 1970 at a major GM dealership. From 1973 - 1996 Clark was co-owner and President of BCP Auto Body, Inc., a four-location collision repair business located in the Metropolitan, D.C. area. He then became Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing at True2Form, a chain of 43 collision repair businesses located in four states. In August of 2010, True2Form was acquired by the Boyd Group. As a result of this merger, True2Form is now part of the Boyd/Gerber family and the largest collision repair chain in North America with over 200 locations in 14 states and 4 Canadian provinces. Last August, Clark accepted the role of Executive Director of the I-CAR Collision Repair Education Foundation. Clark has been featured in numerous national publications. He has held various board seats, including I-CAR, the I-CAR Collision Repair Education Foundation, CAPA, ASA Collision Division Committee, and President Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association. Mr. Plucinski received the I-CAR Founders Award and the ASA Special Achievement Award. He was elected into "The Hall of Eagles" and Body Shop Business, a leading industry publication, voted Mr. Plucinski "Collision Shop Executive of the Year" for 1996. |
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Edward Salamy
Executive Director, Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA)
Edward Salamy is the executive director of Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA). ABPA is made up of more than 140 members occupying more than 400 separate collision parts distribution, bumper sales, and recycling facilities, as well as manufacturing plants. Collectively, the ABPA membership is responsible for distributing more than 75 percent of independently produced aftermarket collision replacement parts sold to the collision repair trade.
Edward has more than 15 years of experience in the alternative parts supply channel, and has served the past nine years as the director of industry relations for KSI Trading Corp. Prior to that, Edward was the Wholesale Accounts Manager for Veng USA. |
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Fred Knopp
Owner, Fred's Auto Parts
Frederick Knopp Jr. currently runs and owns Fred's Auto Parts in Oswego, New York. He started in the automotive industry at the age of 15, working for his father who owned the family business. In 1996, Fred purchased the company from his father and won the "Most Improved Auto Recycling Yard." He also served as the president of the Automotive Recyclers Association of New York in 2000 and 2010. Currently, Fred serves on the ARANY board with DMV committee. |
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Gina Swann
Customer Support Center Manager, Phoenix Automotive Cores
Gina Swann is the Customer Support Center Manager for Phoenix Automotive Cores. She runs the online purchasing department for automobile parts in 3 states and has been with the company for over 3 years.
Prior to Phoenix Cores, Gina was an Online Buyer for Rebuilders Automotive Supply, where she purchased automobile parts for the company using web-based programs to build and maintain long-term relationships with customers. |
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George Metos
Owner, GM Consulting
George Metos runs GM Consultants, a business brokering agency specializing in full-service and self-service auto recycling and scrap metal recycling. He represents yard owners to dozens of national and regional recycling companies. For several years, he consulted with CRUSH Software to help them become the standard yard management system for U-Pull-It auto recyclers. He can be reached in Salt Lake City, Utah at 801-953-1003 or GeorgeMetos@aol.com. |
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Harry J. Moppert
President, Moppert Brothers Collision Services Group
Harry Moppert is the co-founder and President of Moppert Brothers Collision Services Group. Founded in 1976 and now with over 37 years in business, the business has been grown by Harry and his brothers into multiple locations with annual revenue in the top 5% of the U.S. collision repair industry. Harry worked closely with ASA, Insurance Company leaders, and The Automotive Recyclers Association. He became the catalyst for the implementation of the drop-down box window in CCC software. He saw that a more user-friendly estimating system for the collision industry could capture the value of recyclable and LKQ parts.
Harry is a former I-CAR instructor and board member for the ASA Collision Division. He has contributed to numerous industry advisory boards including Mitchell, ADP, CCC, and AkzoNobel. Along with being a multi-year speaker for NACE, Harry has been a recipient of an NABC award. Harry was the recipient for the ASA's coveted PHOENIX Award in 2007 for Outstanding Service to the Automotive Collision Industry.
Harry is an active participant of the NABC Recycled Rides program. He has orchestrated the gifting of a newly refurbished vehicle every year since the program inception. This year, a vehicle donated for repairs by Esurance was gifted to The Michael Strange Foundation. Michael Strange was a member of Seal Team Six who was killed in service to his country, along with the rest of his team, in a helicopter crash. This organization was established by his father to assist Gold Star Families.
Harry has a strong belief in community, giving back, serving for a greater good. His pioneering spirit and professionalism is now being honored as he welcomes his sons into the family business and assists them in the focus of bringing this new generation to satisfy an even higher expectation for their customers. |
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Jim McKinney
Owner, EZ Route
Jim McKinney is the President of EZ Management Solutions and General Manager of Milliron Auto Parts. He has over 25 years in the automotive industry, starting in his father's repair shop as a mechanic. Jim got his start in the recycling industry as a dismantler at Milliron Auto Parts and worked through the ranks becoming a GM for Greenleaf of Ohio. Jim created EZ Route and other innovative solutions for recyclers. EZ Route is a tool to manage the delivery business within your salvage yard business.
Jim is also the current president of OATRA (Ohio Auto and Truck Recyclers Association) and has been very involved with legislation affecting the recycling industry. |
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Jim Smith
President, JSC Group, LLC
Jim has worked in the aftermarket collision parts distribution industry for 15 years. His job functions during that time have included Operations Manager, Sales & Marketing Manager, Regional Manager, Industry Relations Manager, ISO Management Rep, LKQ's AQRP Development Manager, and most recently, for President of his own consulting firm for the past 4 years. Jim has served, and continues to serve, on a number of industry boards including ABPA, CAPA, OVAAA, and 8 different technical committees for the NSF Automotive Parts Certification Program. He also served as Technical Committee Chairman for the development of the NSF Distributor Certification Program.
Besides his insurance program and certification experience, Jim brings the experience of working for a nationally-known distributor as it transitioned its business culture from an aftermarket collision parts distributor to becoming a full line automotive parts distributor. |
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Joe Wright
National Sales Manager, The Connection
Joe Wright has spent over 30 years in the parts business. He began by working for an advertising agency that specialized in automotive parts marketing and sales, and then moved to Navistar International, a manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks, working in parts operations. Joe then spent time at Aftermarket Technology, a remanufacturer of engines and transmissions. Ten years ago, he joined the team at The Connection and is happily focusing on growing the sales and profits of customers in the automotive recycling industry. |
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John (JC) Cahill
Owner, Brown's Auto Sales and Cahill's Auto Sales
JC Cahill is a well-known industry speaker, consultant, and recycler. JC grew up in the recycling industry, but after graduating from the University of Vermont he decided to take a corporate career route. He worked for several years for both major consolidators at an executive level, serving as the National Sales Manager for GreenLeaf Auto Recycling and the Regional Director for B&R Auto Wrecking. JC also created the first hybrid self-service and full-service superstore for Schnitzer Steel.
After spending a few years in the corporate arena, JC realized his real passion was the recycling industry he grew up in. Today, JC is the owner of two successful recycling facilities: Brown's Auto Parts in Massachusetts, and Cahill's Auto Parts in New York.
JC's other passion is teaching others the leadership and sales skills he has learned and practiced in his own business. His enthusiasm for teaching others is evident in his dynamic training classes, which have been attended by recyclers from across the industry. JC also practices what he preaches! In 2010, his employees nominated him and he won The Locator Magazine's "Boss of the Year" award.
JC can be contacted at jc@brownsautosalvage.com. |
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Kim Hicks
President, Micro Rim
Kim Hicks has worked within the automotive parts and service industry for her entire career. She spent 13 years at General Motors Tech Center in Warren Michigan, working with the product development and safety group. During that time, she earned her degree in Business from Central Michigan University.
For the past 20 years, Kim has been part of the business her father started many decades ago. The Micro Platers Micro Paint and Micro Rim companies are among Michigan's largest suppliers of alternative collision repair parts, new and reconditioned bumpers, and refinish supplies. For over 50 years, their administrative headquarters, distribution operations, plating, and manufacturing centers have been located in Highland Park adjacent to Detroit.
Today, Micro Rim is the only US-owned manufacturer of aftermarket replacement bumpers. Their hallmark is quality products and uncompromising customer service; they are proud to say their customers are America's leading distributors and collision repair professionals. In 2001, they were proud to be awarded the supplier contract for Keystone's groundbreaking Platinum Plus products. With their participation in CAPA certification, NSF certification, and LKQ's AQRP quality assurance program, they fully expect to continue their tradition of quality.
To that point, Kim takes an active role within the industry, including serving as Vice President of the Automotive Body Parts Association and numerous other industry-related groups. |
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Lee Herman
President of Insight Consulting Group
Lee is President of Insight Consulting Group. Insight provides services to the insurance and related industries with a focus on improving the functionality and efficiency of claims handling operations through the implementation of innovative and creative solutions.
Prior to joining Insight, Lee was Associate Vice President of claims at Nationwide Insurance. In his 18 years at Nationwide, he led their technical operations, Subrogation, SIU, and most recently, Centralized Services with responsibility for the handling of partial theft, total theft, total loss, and specialty claims country-wide. Before joining Nationwide, Lee owned an independent appraisal service, was a manager at Hanover Insurance, and worked in a body shop while attending college. |
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Linda S. Gravett, Ph.D., SPHR, CEQC
Sr. Partner and Founder, Gravett and Associates
Dr. Linda Gravett, an industrial psychologist, is a business advisor, author, and certified Emotional Intelligence coach and consultant who has partnered with organizations around the world over the past 22 years, helping them leverage the talents of a diverse workforce to ensure success through periods of growth and change.
Linda is the founder and senior partner of Gravett and Associates, an international Organizational Development consulting firm headquartered in Cincinnati, and President and CEO of Just the Basics, Inc, a Northern Kentucky consulting firm for nonprofits and small enterprises. She is the author or co-author of books on emotional intelligence, generational differences, leadership, entrepreneurship, and business ethics. Her latest book, The Real Story of Being a Woman Entrepreneur, was released in October 2011. Her latest book, Leadership in Balance: A Deeper Dimension for Leaders, will be released in October.
Linda is on the faculty of the Executive MBA Program and Leadership Academy at Xavier University, where she teaches courses in strategic planning, emotional intelligence, and leveraging generational differences. Linda has a Ph.D. in Industrial Psychology, an MA in Labor and Employment Relations, and a bachelor's in Accounting. She has lived and worked in Japan, Canada, and Mexico, and brings a multi-cultural perspective to her work and life. |
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Mike Dolabi
President National Autobody Parts Warehouse, Inc.
Mike Dolabi is living the American Dream!
In 1977, at the age of 16 and with the urging of his parents, Mike entered the United States from his native land of Iran in hopes of a better education. Shortly after arriving in the United States, just months before war broke out in Iran, Mike found himself alone in the land of opportunity without support of family and few friends.
In a country built on a belief in one another, a school counselor saw Mike's potential and became his guardian and support system. Following high school graduation in 1979, Mike attended Paris (Texas) Junior College and the University of Texas in Arlington, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
Although the initial years involved chaos both in the United States and Iran (the Iranian revolution followed by the Iranian hostage crisis), Mike's belief in the American dream of success built on hard work, his tenacity, and his strong work ethic prevailed and Mike and his wife Sunny opened National Autobody Parts Warehouse in 1993, consisting of 12 pieces of inventory, a rolodex of customers, and a Toyota pickup.
Starting from ZERO, Mike and Sunny have applied honesty, hard work, and courage and created one of the United States' premiere aftermarket parts distribution facilities.
Today, National Autobody Parts Warehouse, located in Grand Prairie, TX, is a modern, 150,000 sq. foot, ISO 9001, NSF Distributor certified, and CAPA certified autobody parts warehouse servicing all of Texas and shipping parts throughout the United States. Having undergone two expansions since 1994, National Autobody Parts Warehouse has a satellite location in Austin, TX, and employee 45 individuals - all focused on the best of quality and exceptional customer service.
Mike Dolabi's belief in the American Dream and his commitment to exceptional quality and customer service are the foundations of success. Here's to an extraordinary example of bringing the American Dream to life: Mike Dolabi, president of National Autobody Parts Warehouse. |
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Nandy Banks
Box Auto Salvage
Nandy Banks has 8 years of experience in most of the Car-Part.com services, including Checkmate. She recently retired from Car-Part.com to work with her husband, the owner of Box Auto Salvage. She currently does all the Accounts Payables, Accounts Receivables, Purchase Orders, eBay Sales, Workstation Images, Order Trakker, Inventory, and anything else she is needed to help with, including Counter Sales.
Nandy's last position at Car-Part.com was that of Software Tester for the Checkmate Development team. She began her career with the company in the Collections department, and soon she took a position in the administrative office as Office Manager. As Nandy learned more about the products that Car-Part.com had to offer, she got more involved with helping our customers and was promoted to Training Specialist. In this position, she was on the road, traveling to salvage yards across the United States and Canada. This is how she met her husband Hotrod Banks, and the rest is history!
When Nandy was not on the road, she was working at Box Auto Salvage and gaining first-hand experience of using Car-Part.com products as a recycler. Combining Nandy's experience from her years with Car-Part.com and her experience working at the salvage yard, Box Auto Salvage has had the opportunity to be an Alpha testing yard for Checkmate and other Car-Part.com products. She now reports any issues and enhancements back to Car-Part.com for review.
Nandy was recognized in 2010 with a Car-Part.com Above and Beyond Award for her dedication to our products and her determination to learn as much as she can about them. |
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Nick Reitman
Reitman Auto Sales
Nick Reitman of Reitman Auto Parts & Sales, Inc. is a fourth-generation auto recycler. He is the son of past ARA President Randy Reitman. Nick has had the pleasure to travel with his dad to many ARA functions. Nick has also been most instrumental in building the inventory flow currently being used at their family business. He has worked every facet of the recycling industry, starting as a dismantler and working up to his current responsibilities as Sales and Buyer for the company. Nick works with Car-Part.com to provide feedback about interchange and Car-Part products.
In 2011, Nick was voted as an Up & Coming Future Recycler by The Locator Magazine. In 2009, Nick and his wife Sarah were very instrumental in supporting the ARA Educational Foundation Fundraiser in Lexington, KY by donating their talents in the ARA Dice Derby Horse Races. Nick is also active in the local Alexandria Community Business Association and served as President in 2011.
Nick, like his predecessors in the family business, is dedicated to the industry of auto recycling and strives to bring quality parts and service to the customer in an environmentally safe process. Nick realizes that the industry as a whole is moving into a new millennium and is ready to accept the challenges to be able a competitive player in the market.
Reitman Auto Parts & Sales, Inc. is a member of the Automotive Recyclers Association, The Kentucky Auto & Truck Recycling Association, and The Better Business Bureau, and is a Green Recycled Parts Partner. Reitman Auto Parts & Sales, Inc. is a Certified Auto Recycler. |
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Nick Scheid
Cornerstone Auto Parts
Nicholas Scheid has been involved in the "alternative" crash parts business for 30 years, starting out originally in the remanufacturing and repairing of OEM plastic production parts for their service parts and distribution to the aftermarket supply chain. Additionally, during his time in the industry, he has owned and operated a Detroit-based distribution center, a steel and plastic bumper recycling facility, and a new plastic parts manufacturing business.
Nicholas has held his current position with Cornerstone Auto Parts for eleven years and his primary responsibility is to provide a domestic, "real time" presence for a Taiwanese aftermarket manufacturer: Auto Parts Industrials. As a leading manufacturer of high quality alternative parts, he works with distributors to build a reliable supply channel and educate the market on the differences in manufacturers, parts, production, and the promotion of certified parts and distributors.
Nicholas is currently serving his second term as President of the ABPA (Automotive Body Parts Association) and also participates in various industry events such as CIC, NACE, SEMA, and AAPEX. |
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Patrick Burnett
Associate Vice President of P&C Claims - Material Damage, Nationwide Insurance
In his current role of Associate Vice President of Property and Casualty Claims - Material Damage, Patrick leads the technical, policy, performance, and other aspects of the Material Damage operation.
Patrick was born and raised in Dallas, TX, and earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. He later earned an MBA from LeTourneau University in Texas, as well.
He started his insurance career with Farmers Insurance in Texas, working successfully in a number of roles. Some of the assignments he had early in his career included MD field associate (drive-in, non-drives, fires/thefts), non-injury associate, direct repair coordinator, and several others. He moved into leadership and later managed branch claims offices in Texas and California before moving to Farmers Home Office as the national Auto Physical Damage Manager.
In 2004, Patrick moved to Columbus, OH, and joined Nationwide as a Material Damage technical director supporting the East, where he worked closely with field leaders and partners to drive consistent and improved results. In 2006, Patrick took over leadership of the National Recovery operation, leading teams focused on subrogation and salvage recoveries. Under his leadership, the teams achieved record recoveries. In late 2007, Patrick moved to Richmond, VA, to lead the formation of the Mid-Atlantic Claim Zone. There, he successfully consolidated 2 regions to build a solid team of claim professionals with a common goal of delivering outstanding service, while focusing on developing leaders, improving the appreciation of the diversity of associates and customers, and challenging associates in the area of personal development. He recently relocated to Columbus for the MD leadership role in July.
Patrick is an avid sports fan and enjoys studying politics, history, and other world events. |
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Robert Counts
Owner, Counts Business Consulting
Robert Counts is a small business owner and currently works with automotive recyclers and towing businesses in the United States, Canada, and the UK. He manages owners' groups that are largely family-owned businesses. He does independent consulting on buying, sales, operations, customer relations, financial health, and facility layout and design. He has experience in land development, commercial construction, and inventory control. Robert conducts seminars on sales, operations/production, inventory systems, growing the business, managing difficult employees, managing the family business, and succession planning. Robert designed and is involved in the United Recyclers Group Accreditation Program.
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Robert William Frayer Jr., P.E.
Director Automotive Parts Certification, NSF International
Robert William Frayer Jr., P.E. holds the position of Director Automotive Parts Certification at NSF International. Mr. Frayer has over 30 years of experience in managing automotive programs and laboratory operations, as well as research and development. His work focuses on managing the growth of the NSF Certified aftermarket automotive parts program.
Mr. Frayer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. He has extensive experience in physical, materials, and metrology test operations. He has the proven ability to create world-class research and testing facilities and the management of automotive-related programs.
Prior to joining NSF International, Mr. Frayer worked as a Research and Development Director for a major international automotive engineering services company. Under his direction, 41 patents were filed (15 with Robert as the inventor or co-inventor) and 20 technical papers were coordinated for presentation and publication, 4 of which he was the author or co-author.
Mr. Frayer is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), and the Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA).
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Rudy Lehman
Chief Technology Officer, Dakabi Software, LLC
Rudy Lehman, Chief Technology Officer for Dakabi Software, LLC, is the architect of the new Car-Part Salvage Auction. Mr. Lehman has been designing software for insurance claims since the early 1990s. He pioneered digital images for insurance claims. In 1997 EazyImage Digital Imaging was the first software to enable insurance carriers to send digital claim photos over the Internet. EazyImage was acquired by Mitchell International in 2001. For the past 10 years, Mr. Lehman has been Chief Technology office for ClaimSolution, a nationwide automotive appraiser company. In 2004, Rudy Lehman and his partner, Mark Snow, founded Dakabi LLC.
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Scott Stolberg
President, AAEQ Manufacturers and Recyclers
Scott J. Stolberg is president and CEO of AAEQ Manufacturers and Recyclers, a comprehensive company that provides leadership in the automotive remanufacturing, manufacturing, and recycling industries. Started by Stolberg's father and uncle, the company began business in Chicago in 1949 as A&A Midwest. It continues to be one of the leading suppliers of automotive engine and transmission cores, and recyclers of scrap metal. The privately held company continues to operate in Chicago and North Las Vegas.
Stolberg graduated from Indiana University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. He joined the family business in 1984 in Chicago, after working in the insurance industry from 1982 to 1984. Stolberg moved to Los Angeles in 1986 to help open the company's west coast distribution center, and then relocated the west coast headquarters to Las Vegas in 1992. In 1987 he was also involved in the establishment of EngineQuest (EQ Engine Parts), the company's engine parts division, which manufactures unique problem-solving parts for engine builders and race enthusiasts.
In 2004, Stolberg led the company in the development of its full-service scrap metal division in Las Vegas under the AAEQ/AA Midwest banner. Stolberg jointly operates the company with his brother, Billy, president and COO, who heads the company's Midwest headquarters in Chicago. Stolberg is active in the Las Vegas area community. He is currently serving as president of the Rotary Club of Las Vegas (Fremont). He is also past president of Congregation Ner Tamid. During his term as president, he was instrumental in the sale of the congregation's existing building and helping raise $20 million toward building a new campus.
AAEQ is a member of many automotive and recycling associations, including the Production Engine Remanufacturing Association (PERA), Automotive Engine Builders Association (AERA), Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA), Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA), and Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI).
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Derek Jackson
Managing Partner, Summit Solutions Group
Derek Jackson is a senior-level Human Resources professional with more than 20 years of experience in the areas of human resource functional excellence, human capital maximization, and talent acquisition strategies. He has successfully advised and implemented human capital initiatives for companies such as Structural Dynamics Research Corporation (SDRC), Electronic Data Systems (EDS), Affiliated Computer Services (ACS), inno360, and L-3 Communications, to name a few.
In 2008, Derek founded Summit Solutions Group where he specializes in working with human resource organizations that seek to transform from a tactical to a "value-add" strategic entity and mindset. He also works with businesses of all sizes to implement world-class human resource practices such as talent acquisition strategies, competitive compensation programs, and performance management systems that support the company culture and growth strategy.
Derek is also a dynamic and experienced speaker who conducts seminars and workshops for clients who need training on a variety of performance management and leadership topics.
Derek can be contacted at derek.jackson@ssgtas.com or by visiting http://www.ssgtas.com
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Car-Part Team
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Jeff Schroder
President
Kentucky
Jeff Schroder is founding CEO of Car-Part.com. Under Jeff's leadership, Car-Part.com went live in 1998 and revolutionized the purchasing of recycled parts. Car-Part's next innovation was SmartVin, a technology that decodes VINs directly to recycled part numbers. SmartVin powers an integrated workflow the enables recyclers to buy salvage vehicles, manage operations, and sell parts. Car-Part Pro is our newest innovation, providing a fully electronic marketplace for the professional repairer including real time delivery information, supply chain availability, and recycler and aftermarket certifications. Jeff has an M.S. in Computer Engineering from Rutgers University. |
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Roger Schroder
VP of Sales and Support
Kentucky
Roger Schroder is a co-founder of Car-Part.com and is currently the Vice President of Sales and Support which includes sales, on-site and phone training, and technical support. Roger is a 25-year veteran of the auto recycling industry and is co-owner of Foreign Auto Salvage in Ft. Wright, Kentucky. He was the manager of Foreign Auto Salvage for many years and continues to serve as a senior officer and board member.
Roger received a bachelor's degree from Thomas More College with a double major in Business Administration and Accounting. He spent 10 years as a special agent with the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division. Roger is currently a board member of the Ft. Wright Business Association. He has also been recognized as an Honorary Colonel by Kentucky State Police Department. |
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Janice Schroder
Mistress of Ceremonies
Co-founder and VP of Marketing
Kentucky
Janice Schroder is a co-founder of Car-Part.com and currently the VP of Marketing. During Car-Part.com's humble beginnings, she helped build its first data center in the basement of her home, complete with 165 computers, backup generators, and fiber optic T1 lines. This was in a time when dial-up was all the rage and many rural areas didn't even have it!
As she passed this baton onto her son, she moved onto anything that needed to be done, from sales to website design. Motivated by the great respect she has for the recycling industry and the immense benefit the use of recycled parts brings to the environment, she was thrilled to spread the word about Car-Part.com. She has learned a tremendous amount about the industry by attending countless recycler, repair, and industry-related trade shows over the past 15 years. She especially loves learning about world wide views on recycling when attending international recycling conferences.
Happily married to Jeff Schroder, Janice is also a proud mother of three wonderful children, two of whom have brought her three delightful grandbabies over the past 13 months. "Evidently, software isn't the only thing we are good at generating around here." |
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Ana Cavnar
Senior Web Technician
Florida
Ana Cavnar is a Senior Web Technician at Car-Part.com. Ana has been with Car-Part.com for over 11 years, and has been in her current position for over six years. Ana also has worked with the Development team, testing new products, but has gone back to the Support team full-time because she missed working with the customers. She enjoys resolving issues and interacting with our customers. She prides herself on resolving those hard-to-solve problems.
Prior to Car-Part.com, Ana worked with IBM as a Trainer and then moved to Technician. In this role, she was responsible for setting up networks for temporary classrooms and maintaining all the hardware and software upgrades. When Ana is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. When she is on vacation, she is either in the woods 4-wheeling or in the Keys boating and soaking up the Florida sun. |
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Ben Stone
Training Specialist
Florida
Ben Stone is the lead trainer for Bidmate and Partmate, Car-Part.com's innovative salvage buying and inventory tools for recyclers. He is responsible for training customers on both products and providing training and support for other Car-Part employees. Ben also works closely with the Product Development team to provide training and testing feedback on product enhancements. In addition to his product training responsibilities, Ben co-facilitates Car-Part's orientation program for new employees. He has been employed with Car-Part.com for 10 years, and prior to his training role he worked on both the Web Services and the Checkmate Support teams.
Prior to Car-Part, Ben spent 7 years with ADP Hollander doing installations and training. His experience also includes being a DSL field supervisor with Verizon Corp, a Data/Tel Manager with AmeriParts International, and an independent computer consultant in the auto industry.
Ben spends his free time in Florida losing golf balls and avoiding alligators while trying to find them. He also enjoys hiking and biking in Florida and the Carolinas, and attending sports events in the Tampa Bay area. (Go Rays!) |
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Bob Johnson
Manager, Foreign Auto Salvage
Sales & Training Specialist
Kentucky
Bob Johnson is a 29-year veteran of the recycling industry. He is currently the manager of Foreign Auto Salvage in Ft. Wright, Kentucky, and for the past 12 years has worked for Car-Part.com in Checkmate and Web Services sales and training. Because of Bob's reputation for always putting the customer first and going the extra mile to meet customer needs, he was recognized in 2010 by being a finalist in the Car-Part.com Above and Beyond Awards and in 2011 by receiving Car-Part's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Bob's experience also includes 6 years in the auto body repair industry. He is ASE Certified in refrigerant removal and is licensed by the Kentucky Environmental Protection Cabinet for waste water testing and treatment. Bob is a past member of the ARA Gold Seal Committee, works closely with the Auto Recyclers of Michigan, and is the current president of the Kentucky Auto and Truck Recyclers Association.
When not working, Bob and his wife, Gina, are avid cyclists covering more than 30 miles in a weekend. In addition to cycling, Bob also enjoys the occasional golf game. |
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Cliff Johnson
Interchange Editor
Minnesota
Cliff Johnson is currently the Interchange Editor at Car-Part.com and has been with Car-Part.com for 8 years. Cliff's responsibilities include proofing and editing interchange and addressing interchange contributions from our customers, as well as various projects designed to improve our products.
Prior to joining Car-Part.com, Cliff was employed in the auto salvage interchange field for 17 years, working for employers Hollander Publishing, Auto-Info Inc., and URG. Cliff is certified as an ASE Parts Specialist and is I-Car Gold certified in many technologies.
Cliff enjoys working on his cars and motorcycles in his spare time. |
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Dan Ruud
Checkmate Product Specialist
Minnesota
Dan Ruud is a Checkmate Product Specialist. He is responsible for testing new enhancements and software changes, acting as a communication point between developers and the support staff, and assisting the support staff by helping them with escalated issues. Dan has also been part of numerous installations and conversions, so he understands what it's like working at yards ranging from a single employee to the largest yards.
Dan started working with Checkmate under ADP ownership 15 years ago as a basic support representative on the Orion product. He switched to Checkmate when they were sold to CCI/Triad and worked his way up to the Lead Support Rep for Checkmate. He worked in that position for a few years, and once Car-Part.com purchased Checkmate, Dan moved to the development and testing side of the product. He continues to assist with escalated issues when needed.
In his free time, Dan plays disc golf in the summer, and skis and snowboards in the winter. He also plays competitive volleyball year-round, playing indoors during the winter and on the sand in the summer. Dan is also a season ticket holder for the Minnesota Vikings. |
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Dennis Young
Checkmate Conversion Manager
Minnesota
Dennis Young is the Conversion Manager at Car-Part.com. He and his team are responsible for the data transfer that happens when a recycler converts to Checkmate from another management system. Dennis started his career with Car-Part.com in 2005, installing and supporting upload software for customers. Dennis then became an Escalation Tech for Car-Part.com's Web Services team, dealing primarily with Hollander and Pinnacle management systems. He was then promoted to the manager of the Checkmate Support team and later to Conversion Manager. Dennis also assists with software testing. In 2009, Dennis was awarded the Car-Part.com Above and Beyond Award for his outstanding contributions to the company.
Prior to Car-Part.com, Dennis worked for 10 years in a variety of support, coaching, and software testing roles at ADP Hollander. Dennis also served in the U.S. Army for 14 years using and testing Field Artillery Computers, and in the U.S. Army Reserves for 4 years running weapon ranges.
Away from work, Dennis is an experienced woodworker who crafts unique mugs from exotic woods. He and his wife also enjoy attending Renaissance fairs (and yes, Dennis does dress in costume!). |
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Gegetta Ferris
Senior Web Technician
Tennessee
Gegetta Ferris is a Senior Web Technician at Car-Part.com. Gegetta has been with Car-Part.com for over nine years, and has been in her current position for over six. Gegetta's favorite part about her job is being able to help customers resolve their issues, solve their problems, and make their day at work a little easier! Gegetta has been working with computers for over 20 years. She attended the New England Institute of Technology, and in 2001 earned her associate's degree in Computer Networking.
When she's not hard at work helping customers, Gegetta is an avid motorcyclist. Next time you're in Tennessee, you might see her flying by on her Harley Davidson! She is also an enthusiastic and accomplished runner, having completed quite a few full marathons and half marathons in the last few years! |
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Greg Croka
Training Specialist
Missouri
Greg is part of the Checkmate on-site conversion training team. He assists customers with learning the Checkmate system and incorporating it into their businesses.
Prior to joining the conversion team, Greg was part of the field team promoting the Car-Part Gold product suite across the country.
Greg is also experienced in the aftermarket parts business, having managed both Advance Auto Parts and Auto Zone stores. Greg lives in Central Missouri, near the Kansas City metro area. |
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JC Chastain
Checkmate Product Manager
Kentucky
JC Chastain is the Product Manager for Checkmate and related products including Order Trakker, Checkmate Workstation, and Real Time Barcoding. He leads the development team responsible for product enhancements and new product development. JC has been with Car-Part.com for 11 years and has worked in the Checkmate Support and Development groups. In 2010, JC was recognized for his outstanding contributions by being named as a finalist for the Car-Part.com Above and Beyond Awards. In 2011, JC was awarded the Car-Part Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to our customers and his leadership in Checkmate Development.
JC has spent 20 years supporting and developing technology solutions for the auto recycling industry. He has also worked in the customer support organizations for both ADP Hollander and AutoInfo. Prior to Car-Part.com, he was the Manager of Customer Support and Operations for CCI/Triad. JC joined Car-Part.com in 2003 when they purchased the Checkmate division of CCI/Triad.
JC has a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Management from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He has co-authored numerous articles and a book on utilizing technology to teach statistical concepts. JC is the content editor and a steering committee member for the software development group Agile Cincinnati.
In his spare time, JC is actively involved with his 5 kids (4 teenagers!). He is also a Boy Scout commissioner and coordinates blood drives in his community. |
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Jeff Budd
Checkmate Development and Training Specialist
Illinois
Jeff is one of the many "Jeffs" that work at Car-Part. Jeff works with our Checkmate Development team and our Checkmate Training/Conversions team. He works with the support techs to troubleshoot issues, and helps design and implement new software. His latest projects include Checkmate Workstation products including Dashboard, Order Trakker, Checkmate Listing Manager for eBay, Terminal, and Imaging.
Jeff is relatively new to Car-Part; he has been with us for 3 years. Jeff started with Car-Part as a Web Support Tech and has worked his way into Development and Training. After graduating college in 2005, he started supporting a multi-yard location, and was a support tech for Illinois DCFS and an independent IT consultant.
In Jeff's free time, when he is not working on his house, he enjoys cruising on his motorcycle and cooking out with friends and family. He also likes attending Cardinal Baseball games and going to dirt track races (not enough, though!). |
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Jeff Wissman
Bidmate & Partmate Product Manager
Kentucky
Jeff Wissman is the Product Manager for Bidmate and Partmate. He oversees the design and development of new software and enhancements, and coordinates the Level 3 Customer Support for Bidmate and Partmate. He joined the Car-Part team in February of 2013. Prior to coming to Car-Part, Jeff worked as a Development Manager with R.L. Polk and Company, supporting the Ford, General Motors, and Asian Import accounts.
Jeff possesses 25 years of software development experience in both mainframe and client-server environments.
Jeff is a former NCAA College Baseball player, and still shares the NCAA baseball record for most triples in a game (3). That record has been tied many times, but no one has hit 4 yet! When the office is closed, Jeff enjoys golfing and attending sporting events. |
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Jeremy Baines
Training Specialist
Indiana
Jeremy Baines is a Training Specialist for Car-Part.com. Versed in the complete Car-Part product suite, Jeremy currently provides training and support for our diverse customer base, as well as internal training for Car-Part.com employees.
Before working for Car-Part.com, Jeremy was the Vice President/Co-owner of SAJAC Enterprises, an independent auto damage appraising company, for 7 years. Jeremy was also the QRP-Midwest Regional Manager for 3 years. With an extensive background in the repair shop, insurance, and salvage yard industries, Jeremy looks forward to helping to provide solutions to the recycling industry today. |
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Joanna Cohen
Interchange Content Manager
Kentucky
Joanna is the Interchange Content Manager at Car-Part.com. She and her team take in, test, and release interchange, VIN, OE and aftermarket data. They compile the SmartVin and Interchange data released to all Car-Part products, and manage the monthly release of OE data to CrashLink. They are constantly working to streamline and speed up the release process to get the data to customers as fast as possible.
Joanna grew up around the recycling industry. As a kid she spent the summers doing odd jobs for her dad at Foreign Auto Salvage. She has fond memories of moving Foreign Auto's inventory into the "new" warehouse with her cousins, a project that took several summers to complete! During college she learned how to use Checkmate to help with accounting, and started evaluating auctions using Bidmate. Upon graduation she transitioned over to the Car-Part.com team, researching and writing mercury switch location information (Mercury Interchange), building websites, and testing Bidmate.
When she's not working, you'll find Joanna outside: motorcycling, mountain biking, skiing, hiking, or otherwise adventuring! |
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Jody Prather
Development Manager - Interchange, Bidmate, Partmate, and CrashLink
Kentucky
Jody Prather is the Development Manager for Bidmate, Partmate, Interchange, and CrashLink, and oversees the design and development of new software and enhancements. He has been with Car-Part.com for 9 years, during which time he has worked in the Technical Support team and in Product Development. Many of Car-Part's most innovative products, including Bidmate, Partmate, SmartVin, and Smart Interchange, were developed by Jody. He is the recipient of the 2009 Car-Part.com Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding service to the company.
Jody is a 28-year veteran of the recycling industry and has worked in sales, inventory management, operations management, and IT development. During his years working with recyclers, Jody has led several software conversions and managed both training and training materials. While at Bessler Auto Parts, Jody had the distinction of being the second customer to implement Car-Part.com's upload services. Jeff Schroder was his support tech!
In his spare time, Jody is an active musician with his country music band and is an avid runner. |
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Lori Handke
Account Specialist
Iowa
Lori Handke joined Car-Part.com in May of 2012 as a Sales and Customer Account Specialist, bringing over 20 years of sales expertise with her. She is responsible for configuring recyclers for Car-Part Pro. In addition to Car-Part Pro configurations, Lori builds brokering relations with both the automotive recyclers and industry vendors.
Prior to her Car-Part.com employment, Lori spent 15 years with The Locator Magazine. Her job duties consisted of sales supervisor, sales, training new employees, assisting in goal setting, and attending industry trade shows.
Lori and her husband, Craig, are very involved in civic events and activities for the town of Anthon, IA and also in the school activities of their son, Cy. Lori and Craig are both currently completing the EMR training program in order to become volunteer members of the Anthon Ambulance squad.
In her free time, Lori enjoys camping and spending time with family and friends. She is an avid cyclist. For the past 4 years, she has participated in Ragbria, cycling across the state of Iowa. Lori can also be found at her son Cy's baseball games or hockey tournaments, cheering on him and his team. |
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Lynette Lems
Training Specialist
Iowa
Lynette Lems is a trainer for Checkmate. She is responsible for training customers not only on Checkmate, but also on one of our newest developments, Checkmate Workstation. Workstation's accessible features include Checkmate, Dashboard, Imaging, Order Trakker, Checkmate Listing Manager for eBay, Car-Part Reports, Partmate, and Bidmate. Lynette also provides additional off-site continuing education on these products and Web Services. Lynette has been employed with Car-Part.com for 2 years, and prior to her Checkmate training role she worked on Car-Part Pro and Web Services.
Prior to her Car-Part employment, Lynette spent 16 years with a salvage yard doing multiple tasks including IT, Web Master, overseeing daily operations, employee training on new products, and coordinating promotions.
When Lynette's not glued to her computer screen, she enjoys spending time outdoors, mostly hiking wooded trails (sometimes too deep – thank goodness for hand-held GPS!), running, and playing volleyball. She also enjoys spending time in the kitchen, baking and cooking for the neighborhood. Any remaining time, especially during those Iowa winter months, she keeps busy helping to organize local fundraisers. |
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Mike O'Leary
Executive Director of Industry Relations
Ohio
Michael serves as the Executive Director of Industry Relations and as is responsible for managing Car-Part.com relationships with the insurance industry. Michael and his team focus their efforts on demonstrating the value of Car-Part Pro and how our tools can assist the industry in improving their results through the responsible use of high quality recycled parts.
Prior to joining Car-Part.com, Mike was the Vice President of Operations at Innovation Auto in Chicago, where he developed their quality assurance program and lead integration efforts. He also spent two years as Director of Product Development at Travelers Insurance, and over 20 years at Nationwide Insurance, where he was instrumental in the development and leadership of the Blue Ribbon Repair Service (Nationwide's DRP). In addition, he developed and led the efforts to centralize many other functions utilizing technology and economies of scale to leverage high performance with low cost. In his last role at Nationwide, he served as the Field Technical Director, providing guidance to their field operations. |
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Molly Farler
Training Specialist
Ohio
Molly Farler is a Training Specialist who is focused on Car-Part.com Web Services. In addition to training customers, Molly provides training support to other Car-Part.com employees and is the lead trainer on many new products launches, including Car-Part Pro.
Molly also co-facilitates orientation for new Car-Part.com employees. In addition to her training responsibilities, Molly manages the scheduling process for web training requests. Molly started her career with Car-Part.com in 2004 in the Web Support organization as a Support Tech.
Prior to Car-Part.com, Molly was the Director of Information Technology for Barnaclo Home Loans. She has worked as a part-time faculty member at Miami University, teaching classes in Computer System Analysis. Molly also has experience from a variety of technical roles she held while employed at Fluor Daniel Fernald, including Training Specialist, Process Engineer/Technical Writer, and Web Developer. Molly has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Thomas More College in Kentucky and an associate's degree in Applied Business from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
In her spare time, Molly enjoys trying new foods with her cooking club and cooking for her family and friends. In addition to remodeling the house her husband grew up in, Molly is kept very busy by her energetic 3 year old son Carter, newborn twins Graham and Declan, and her mini-zoo of dogs and cats. |
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Sandra Toews
Training Specialist
California
Sandra Toews is a Checkmate Training Specialist at Car-Part.com. Sandra is a 10-year veteran. In addition to Checkmate training, she manages the Telnet Checkmate installation and training process, and schedules on-site training for Checkmate conversions.
Sandra began working in software support 22 years ago for Triad. She started her career as a Support Tech and moved into training after a couple of years. Her first training position was teaching customers how to use software designed for the automotive service industry over the phone. When Triad was later purchased by CCI and became CCI/Triad, Sandra continued to train customers on their service dealer software, and later on, Checkmate. Sandra joined Car-Part.com in 2003 when Car-Part purchased Checkmate. During her time at CCI/Triad, Sandra was recognized by receiving numerous outstanding achievements and training excellence awards.
Sandra is a graduate of the California State University at Chico with a degree in Management Information Systems. She has worked in software support and training for the past 18 years from her 25-acre farm in Northern California, with she lives with her husband and three sons. The Toews farm is home to Boer goats, alpacas, cats, rabbits, chickens, a turtle, a dog, and a mule. |
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Sonny Gonzales
Training Specialist
California
Angelo (Sonny) Gonzales joined Car-Part.com in 2009 as a Training Specialist focused on all Checkmate. Today, Sonny works with customers across the US and Canada on Checkmate and Car-Part Web Services. Sonny spent 25 years in the auto recycling industry as dismantler at Central Auto Dismantling in Clovis, California. His experience as a parts puller, delivery driver, counter person, and owner puts Sonny in a unique position to work with other recyclers and continue to share his experience.
Prior to Car-Part.com, Sonny was a music teacher in the local school district for 7 years. His teaching background has helped him to easily transition into a training role with auto recyclers. Sonny has an associate's degree from Monterey Peninsula College, a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts, and a teaching credential from Fresno State University.
When not working, Sonny enjoys spending time with his family and golfing. Sonny is a former amateur golf player with multiple wins on his local California NCGA tour. His claim to fame is 2 holes-in-one! |
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Tammy Baines
Training Specialist
Indiana
Tammy Baines has worked for Car-Part.com since 2008 as a Training Specialist focused on Checkmate, Partmate, and Car-Part Web Services. As an office-based trainer, Tammy equips customers with the skills they need to effectively and efficiently use our products to best serve their yard needs. She also goes on-site for conversions to help train customers who are making a transition to our products.
Prior to coming to Car-Part.com, Tammy worked for several years as a secretary and office manager for two independent insurance appraisal offices working directly with customers, body shops, and insurance companies. Tammy is a licensed fork lift driver and a certified teacher with experience as a substitute teacher for a private school. |
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Theresa Colbert
Sales & Training Specialist
Iowa
Theresa Colbert is an on-the-ground representative for Car-Part.com. She goes into the dismantling yards and helps the customers decide which of the products in the Car-Part suite best fits their needs. She then facilitates the paperwork and training for the customer to make the transition easier for them. Trading Partners and Brokering are Theresa's "pet project" this year. With her background in aftermarket and being "on the other side of the counter" at the yard and repair shops, Theresa is a firm believer in Brokering!
Theresa has been with Car-Part.com for 3 years. Previously, she worked at Nu-Parts Automotive products for 10 years. Prior to Nu-Parts, she was the manager at Winter Auto Japanese Engines in Glendale, Arizona, and at AAA Economy Auto Parts in Phoenix, Arizona. With 21 years of industry experience, Theresa has seen the auto recycling world from almost every point of view.
For fun, Theresa goes on "field trips" to dismantling yards. She tells us "I get to tour the yards, boss people around, AND they pay me for it! I LOVE my job!" When she is at home, she loves to spend time with her family, cook, and watch football.
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Tim Schneider
Assistant Sales Manager
Washington
Tim Schneider has been working for Car-Part.com for 6 years in Sales. He was recently promoted to Assistant Sales Manager leading the West Coast Sales team. In addition to sales, Tim also leads several of Car-Part's Recycler Executive Roundtable groups.
Tim grew up in the wrecking yard business. He and his parents owned QwikParts in San Bernardino, California for 20+ years. After they sold the business 7 years ago, Tim, his wife and three kids moved to Port Angeles, Washington.
When Tim is not traveling up and down the West Coast on sales calls, he coaches his son's select soccer team and plays golf.
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Questions about our products?
Call Car-Part at (859) 344-1925. You can also reach us via email for sales assistance or general information.
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