ARA Unscripted
Claim This Podcastby The Automotive Recyclers Association
Podcast Overview
<p><b>ARA Unscripted</b> is a candid, open-format podcast where I sit down with interesting people from across the automotive recycling industry and beyond. We dive into real conversations about work, life, leadership, challenges, wins, and everything in between. No scripts. No filters. Just authentic stories and insights that inspire, educate, and connect.</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
12/8/2025
1 verified contact email on file for ARA Unscripted
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Recent Episodes
July 29, 2026
Episode 18: Ron Matthews
<p><b>Success isn't built through shortcuts—it's built through relationships.</b></p><p>In this episode of <b>ARA Unscripted</b>, Vince Edivan sits down with <b>Ron Matthews</b> to discuss the career, relationships, and lessons that have made him one of the automotive recycling industry's most respected mentors.</p><p>From starting on the parts counter to becoming a consultant, educator, and trusted advisor, Ron shares practical insights on leadership, mentorship, networking, sales, and why helping others succeed has been the key to his own success.</p><p>Whether you're an automotive recycler, business owner, or aspiring leader, you'll walk away with lessons that apply far beyond our industry.</p><hr /><h2>Sponsors</h2><h3>ARI — Auto Recycler Intelligence</h3><p>With live inventory pricing, Hollander interchange, automated freight calculations, and secure payment links, customers can receive a quote and complete a purchase at any time.</p><p>Learn more at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://ariintel.com" target="_blank"><b>ariintel.com</b></a> or contact <b>Kirk Monger</b> at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:kirk@ariintel.com" target="_blank"><b>kirk@ariintel.com</b></a>.</p><p>Mention this episode and receive <b>$195 off your first month</b>. Offer valid for one year from the episode air date.</p><hr /><h3>VIN Match Pro</h3><p><b>VIN Match Pro</b> simplifies complex VIN data so teams can clearly understand vehicle details and match information correctly the first time. That means:</p><ul><li>Fewer errors</li><li>Fewer credits and returns</li><li>More consistent decisions</li><li>Less time spent double-checking work</li></ul><p>VIN Match Pro brings accurate, easy-to-read information and practical tools together in one place.</p><p>To schedule a demonstration, email <b>Justin at VIN Match Pro</b> or call <b>(978) 413-7170</b>.</p><hr /><h2>Join the Automotive Recyclers Association</h2><p>The automotive recycling industry is stronger when we work together. ARA provides advocacy, education, certification, and resources to help recyclers succeed.</p><p>Learn more or become a member at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.a-r-a.org" target="_blank"><b>www.a-r-a.org</b></a>.</p><p>Or, if you want it even shorter:</p><h3>Join ARA</h3><p>Stay connected, informed, and ahead of industry changes through the Automotive Recyclers Association.</p><p>Learn more at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.a-r-a.org" target="_blank"><b>www.a-r-a.org</b></a>.</p><p>I prefer the second version for YouTube. It gets the point across in two sentences and keeps the focus on the episode rather than the promotion.</p><hr /><h2>Chapter Section</h2><p>00:00 Intro<br />00:55 Sponsor — ARI Sales Professional<br />01:54 Growing Up in Rhode Island and Discovering Auto Recycling<br />11:21 From Parts Puller to the Sales Counter<br />17:21 Accidentally Becoming an Industry Consultant<br />18:59 How Trade Shows Changed Everything<br />22:47 The Mentor Who Changed Ron’s Life<br />31:18 Building a Consulting Business From the Ground Up<br />33:23 Leadership Lessons and Managing People<br />44:00 Why Automotive Recyclers Need ARA<br />44:38 Sponsor — VIN Match Pro<br />45:37 Why Great Salespeople Don’t Sell<br />54:54 The Story Everyone Still Talks About<br />56:23 Joining AX Payments and Protecting Your Reputation<br />01:03:02 Should Industry Associations Vet Vendors?<br />01:19:44 Are Trade Shows Losing Their Value?<br />01:25:28 Why Some Recyclers Thrive While Others Struggle<br />01:32:32 The Power of Mentorship<br />01:42:50 Advice for Every Auto Recycler<br />01:46:30 Final Thoughts</p>
July 15, 2026
Episode 17: Bill Tolpa
<h2>The Legacy of Bill Tolpa | Leadership, Service & the Future of Auto Recycling | ARA Unscripted Ep. 17</h2><p>Some people build successful businesses.</p><p>Others build better industries.</p><p>Bill Tolpa has done both.</p><p>In this episode of <b>ARA Unscripted</b>, ARA Executive Director Vince Edivan sits down with Bill Tolpa to discuss a lifetime in automotive recycling, the evolution of ARA, industry leadership, environmental responsibility, and the personal battle that changed his perspective on life.</p><p></p><p>Along the way, Bill shares stories about:</p><ul><li>Building one of the industry's most respected businesses</li><li>Becoming involved with ARA leadership</li><li>Lessons learned from decades of service</li><li>Why advocacy matters</li><li>His battle with cancer and the importance of self-advocacy</li><li>Mentorship and giving back</li><li>Why professional recyclers have a responsibility to lead</li></ul><p>Whether you've been in the industry for forty years or forty days, Bill's perspective offers lessons that extend far beyond automotive recycling.</p><hr /><h3>This episode is sponsored by ARI</h3><p>You're already investing in marketing to make the phone ring.</p><p>ARI Sales Assistant makes sure those calls don't become missed opportunities.</p><p>Available 24/7, it answers calls, captures leads, and hands qualified customers directly to your sales team.</p><p>To learn more, contact Kirk Monger:</p><p>📧 <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:kirk@ARIIntel.com" target="_blank">kirk@ARIIntel.com</a></p><p></p><h3>This episode is also sponsored by Yard Smart</h3><p>Built specifically for self-service recyclers, Yard Smart helps your team manage inventory, vehicle photos, yard audits and status changes from anywhere in the yard.</p><p>Mention this episode and they'll waive the setup fee and give you your first month free.</p><p>Learn more at:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://YardSmartApp.com" target="_blank"><b>YardSmartApp.com</b></a></p><hr /><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction<br />00:39 Sponsor: Yard Smart<br />01:31 Sponsor: ari Sales Assistant<br />02:24 Meet Bill Tolpa<br />05:12 Growing Up in the Dairy Business<br />08:17 Life as a Carnival Worker<br />14:06 Lessons the Carnival Taught About Business<br />18:25 Buying a Repair Shop at 18<br />22:38 A Frustrating Parts Buying Experience<br />24:02 The Trip That Started a Career<br />29:45 Building an Auto Recycling Business<br />34:10 Getting Involved with ARA New York<br />40:50 Learning to Lead Through Service<br />49:30 Growing the Business and the Industry<br />58:10 Environmental Responsibility Comes to Auto Recycling<br />1:08:30 Mentoring the Next Generation<br />1:18:45 Industry Challenges Then and Now<br />1:30:10 Leadership, Integrity, and Reputation<br />1:38:15 Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders<br />1:44:30 Leaving the Industry Better Than You Found It<br />1:46:10 Final Thoughts</p><p></p><p>Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of automotive recycling.</p><p>#AutoRecycling #Leadership #BusinessPodcast #ARAUnscripted #Automotive #SmallBusiness</p>
July 1, 2026
Episode 16: Wally Dingman
<p>For nearly 40 years, Wally Dingman built and operated one of Canada's respected recycling businesses. Today, as Executive Director of the Automotive Recyclers of Canada, he's working to help shape the future of the industry.</p><p></p><p>In this episode of <b>ARA Unscripted</b>, Wally shares lessons from growing a family business, transitioning into association leadership, navigating government policy, preparing for EV challenges, and why recyclers must be involved whenever legislation affects the automotive lifecycle.</p><p>Whether you're a yard owner, manager, supplier, or simply interested in where the industry is headed, this conversation offers practical insight from someone who's seen both sides of the business.</p><p></p><p><b>Special thanks to our sponsors</b></p><p><b>ARI Sales Assistant</b> — Never miss another sales opportunity. Contact Kirk Monger at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:kirk@ARIIntel.com" target="_blank"><b>kirk@ARIIntel.com</b></a> to learn how AI is helping recyclers answer every call, capture leads, and close more business.</p><p></p><p><b>YardSmart</b> — Modern yard management software built specifically for self-service recyclers. Visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://yardsmartapp.com" target="_blank"><b>yardsmartapp.com</b></a> to schedule a demo and mention ARA Unscripted for the special offer.</p><p></p><p>If you enjoy these conversations, subscribe to ARA Unscripted for more discussions with leaders shaping the future of automotive recycling.</p><p>#AutoRecycling #Leadership #CircularEconomy #Automotive #EV #BusinessPodcast #ARAUnscripted</p><hr /><h3>Chapters</h3><p><b>00:00</b> Introduction & Sponsors<br /><b>02:18</b> Wally Dingman's Journey into Auto Recycling<br /><b>06:30</b> Transitioning from Recycler to Association Executive<br /><b>14:00</b> Why Canada Has Two National Recycling Associations<br /><b>15:58</b> Cash for Clunkers: Successes, Lessons & Unintended Consequences<br /><b>17:18</b> Building Stronger Regional Associations Across Canada<br /><b>19:25</b> Why Auto Recyclers Must Have a Seat at the Legislative Table<br /><b>24:30</b> Vehicle Donation Programs & Consumer Vehicle Acquisition<br /><b>30:45</b> Cross-Border Parts Sales, Tariffs & Canada–U.S. Trade<br /><b>40:15</b> EV Batteries, Regulation & Producer Responsibility<br /><b>54:20</b> The Public Image Problem Facing Auto Recyclers<br /><b>01:03:30</b> Succession Planning & the Next Generation of Recyclers<br /><b>01:12:45</b> AI, Technology & the Future of the Industry<br /><b>01:24:45</b> Working with Government Without Losing Your Voice<br /><b>01:33:20</b> Leadership, Industry Advocacy & Building Consensus<br /><b>01:40:30</b> Why Ego Has No Place in Leadership</p><h2></h2>
18 total episodes available
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- What is ARA Unscripted?
<p><b>ARA Unscripted</b> is a candid, open-format podcast where I sit down with interesting people from across the automotive recycling industry and beyond. We dive into real conversations about work, life, leadership, challenges, wins, and everything in between. No scripts. No filters. Just authentic stories and insights that inspire, educate, and connect.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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