In 1994, Westover Auto Salvage began with a dream of transforming the auto salvage industry by its Founder, Paul Bachand. Today, under the leadership of his son Brian Bachand (CEO), the business has evolved from a small operation in Belchertown, Massachusetts, into a reputable name in automotive recycling across New England, US. Built on a foundation of resilience and adaptability, the business has grown by embracing industry changes, sustainable practices, and a commitment to quality. Brian discusses how he will continue to expand on his father’s vision, navigating Westover Auto Salvage into a future focused on innovation, environmental responsibility, and industry leadership. Westover Auto Salvage plans to meet the demands of a shifting automotive landscape by embracing sustainability, environmental standards, and continuous learning.
From Dream to Reality: Paul Bachand’s Vision and the Early Years
It was my dad’s dream to own an auto salvage yard, and it is my dream to help him build and work on that dream with him. Together, Paul, my dad, and I are creating something that is incredibly special, unique, and constantly changing, adapting, and growing.
Paul grew up working in the automotive industry, from dismantling and repairs up to inventory, operations manager and sales. If it was auto recycling related, he did it and excelled at it. He took that experience and the relationships he built over the years and dared to build his dream by starting by buying property in Belchertown, Massachusetts.
He left the Auto Salvage in Chicopee, MA, by Westover Air Force Base, acquired 50 vehicles, a small office trailer, and rented a bay for dismantling. With the support of my mom, Trish, they created P&T Enterprises, which is the LLC that owns the business. My dad then employed a team of around five people and began to build his business here in town in 1996.
Two people would work in the trailer, doing everything imaginable, including sales, inventory, clerical, accounting, and purchasing. One driver would make multiple runs throughout the day to a maybe 20-mile radius. Two people would work out back—one in the dismantling bay, draining cars and dismantling bigger jobs, and the other operating the loader, setting up and maintaining the vehicles, and dismantling small parts out in the yard.
A Family Affair: Growing Up in the Yard and Building Character
Years just seemed to fly by at Westover Auto Salvage. I grew up here and saw so much change. I watched how my parents built this business and raised me, my brother and my sister. I never wanted to leave. I always wanted to go to work with Dad. I got to spend so many summers making deliveries with my grandfather, learning and meeting the customers. When I was around 10 years old, I got to do more out back and be hands-on instead of doing deliveries. I learned to clean and do the proverbial ‘runt work’: Stacking tires, picking up between the cars, cleaning out the car crusher, sweeping floors, organizing parts storage boxes and washing everything.
It was the best of times and the worst of times. I loved being at work, around the guys and my dad, working in the field and getting my hands dirty. But, man, stacking tires and picking up the ground is more than just a surefire way of building character in a young man. I was hungry and eager to prove I could do the job. You get a taste of it by harvesting mirrors, lights and small parts from the vehicles. I learned to dismantle and really started to pull my own weight in the business. For me and my dad, it was “what is next?”. He was just as eager to make that next sale or that big score at the auction as I was to get the next Subaru motor in under an hour (without cutting anything, mind you!) or change the center pins in our loader. My Dad pushed me to see what else was out there in the world, to explore my other interests and encouraged me to find my own way of living. He had his dream and was hoping I would find mine, or at least that I would pursue a better life than just wanting to dismantle.
Bringing Westover Auto Salvage into the Digital Age
So, I went to college at Western New England University and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. I took that piece of paper and got a desk job in the Accounting Department of an energy service company. After about three years of that, I just did not have the ambition to continue doing what I was doing. I worked after hours, mostly on weekends, with my dad throughout my tenure in the accounting field, but around 2010, I made the decision to come back home. Social Media was on the rise, and being in tune with that launched the company into the digital age, so to speak. We built a website, created a Facebook page and began to expand the business in all facets. And we continue to learn, adapt and grow each day. As Paul would say, “Keep moving forward and make it happen”.
Expanding Westover Auto Salvage Across New England
Fast forward to the present day in 2024, and Westover Auto Salvage is quickly becoming a reputable name throughout New England. We are members of the Association of Auto Recyclers of Massachusetts and of our national association, the ARA. This year, we became an ARA Car Certified Auto Recycler and ARA Gold Seal Certified for our parts.
Our operations now include a warehouse building and two other buildings for depollution, dismantling and inventory. We operate on about 9 acres in a total of around close to 35 acres, and are under contract to install a solar canopy over our lot that holds all our inventory vehicles. We have around 1500-2000 cars on the lot at any given time and ship parts across the states daily. Westover Auto Salvage employs 3-4 drivers a day to do multiple runs for deliveries that include Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont. Our business employs almost 30 people and is currently seeking to hire more. We sell auto parts of all varieties, makes and sizes, but with a main r focus on 2003-2023 cars, SUVs, vans, & trucks. We generate above $2 million in revenue and are always looking to plan and grow toward the next goal. We crush cars, buy and sell vehicles, inventory, depollute and dismantle vehicles every day. We pride ourselves on offering quality parts, vehicles and services at affordable prices in addition to explementary customer service and satisfaction.
Transforming Our Identity: From Junkyard to Gold Seal Recycler
Reflecting on the years that we have been in business in the industry, the most transformative changes for Westover Auto Salvage are the initiatives we took on ourselves that we were not seeing a whole lot of from those in our area or our competition.
By rising to the challenge of taking on and sticking with these changes is what has set us apart from everyone else. Now I know we auto recyclers can be considered to all do pretty much the same thing, just differently. However, the most transformative change we made was shifting our paradigm to reflect how we saw ourselves. We did not want to be a junkyard or be seen as one. We wanted to stand alone. So, we evaluated ourselves from top to bottom and decided to always continue to move forward and make it happen. We need to change the culture of our business to suit not only our fresh perspective but also to meet the perceived demands of the consumer.
The change is ongoing and is not without its kinks. But how we do business has changed. We’ve shifted to pulling parts with a focus on quality and immediacy, making our inventory as transparent as our sales approach. Westover Auto Salvage changed from the junkyard mentality to one of a gold seal and compliant auto recyclers. We made the choice to continue to find the means and resources to do what is right and not what is easy. We spend extra time and money to save some time and money for someone else. We put the customers before the parts and our employees before profit. So, the most transformative changes for us were not out of necessity but out of choice. The most transformative changes in the auto recycling industry that we have seen, in my opinion, have been out of necessity or market/regulation-driven.
Catalytic Converters and Emissions: Transforming the Recycler’s Business Model
A few things that stand out as transformative changes to start with was the emergence of emissions in the 90s that has led to an absolute roller coaster ride for the precious metals market, the consumer, and the auto recycler. The influence that catalytic converters have had on our industry has been so significant that legislation is being created to thwart the theft of this singular part. No part type on a vehicle has created so much change in the recycler’s business model in comparison. From what you bought to how much buying power this knowledge has created to how much of a liquid asset this commodity became, it was incredible to see.
An experienced recycler knows exactly which parts to pull, their condition, and when they’ll sell. During peak periods in the catalytic converter market, a recycler could profit from a car simply by removing and processing the converter in under five minutes—a quick, straightforward payout. In contrast, buying a vehicle for its engine requires running and testing the motor, spending 2-3 hours to remove it, and additional time to prep it. Then, there’s the wait for delivery or pickup, hoping it’s not for a net-30 customer, doesn’t fail during the warranty period, or isn’t canceled or incorrectly ordered.
Another transformative change in the auto recycling industry I’ve seen has been the introduction of the ARA Parts Grading System and ARA Damage Code. In an industry where we all do the same thing, just differently, the ARA took on an initiative to create standardization and assimilate expectations of the consumer with that or the one supplier. This system revolutionized the used auto parts industry. Through communicated, transparent and accepted descriptions of the parts we inventoried, trust was being built. The ARA Damage Code presented a way for businesses to break the stereotypes of the junkyard. It was one of the most transformative changes we as an industry could make not only to profit from but also to build better relationships and get on the same page with the standards and protocols of the auto recycling community.
Embracing Decarbonization: Navigating the Challenges of Net Zero and the Rise of EVs
Lastly and currently, the shift towards decarbonization and push towards net zero emissions has created one of the most industry and socio-economic changes that we have seen in this century. The trend towards EVs has been quite a game changer. So many markets and business models have been affected for better and worse because of it. From the call for regulation and proper language of the regulation in regards to high voltage vehicles, it has been enough for me to stick my screwdriver in an outlet…just to see if I can decrease the transition charge. How the United States plans for and executes to get us to Net Zero will alter how we do business in such a wide scoop, which is quite undaunting. We have always relied on learning from the past, where this is uncharted waters. We will have to learn to remain ahead of the curve and adapt to new policies, regulations and markets in order to remain volatile.
Overcoming Self-Imposed Challenges: Strategies for Small Recyclers to Thrive
The key challenges that the smaller auto recyclers encounter when adapting to evolving regulations and technology are often ones they create for themselves. Perception is key, and it is sometimes challenging to change your own. There is a long line for free bagels. One person sees the long line and says the line is too long; I am not going to wait in that. Another person sees only free bagels. How you choose to perceive a challenge is half the battle. Another key challenge for the smaller recycler has to be stubbornness. Often, the smaller recyclers who do things their way or have been doing things the same way for so long are disinclined to change. Being stubborn and reluctant to change will continue to thwart the small recycler’s growth and keep them small. Some want to remain that way, and that is admirable, but unfortunately, not viable.
The challenge of the lack of resources, direction and funds continues to impact the smaller recycler more than a prepared, financially backed and bigger recycler. Not having the funds to invest in proper yard management systems or operational equipment sets back the smaller recycler and causes the process for each operation to be delayed and/or negatively impacted.
Lacking the necessary expertise or staff to handle NMVTIS reporting, establish and maintain stormwater permitting and planning, or implement an SPCC plan can be the difference between just making it by or living fine to fine. Either way, it is a constant struggle. Not being able to make time to do the things you should be making time for is another excuse the smaller recycler finds recurrent or allowing themselves to get caught up in.
Small family-run (‘Mom and Pop’) businesses, with limited staff, focused on removing parts, selling, getting paid, and covering payroll often fall into the trap of “failing to plan is planning to fail.”
The best strategies to overcome these challenges are to do the research. Reach out to your fellow recyclers, who are always willing to lend a hand and dish out free advice. Evaluate the risks and rewards of implementing these changes and create a plan with consequences as to how to make them happen. Addressing the challenges of investing time, resources, and funds to adapt your operations to evolving regulations, adopt new technology, and stay competitive should be approached with both careful consideration and a sense of urgency. Do the research, ask around, figure out if the juice is worth the squeeze based on an unbiased financial analysis, and create a plan to make it happen.
Creating new revenue streams, shifting where and how much we sell our product to, or even going to the bank are ways to plan for further funding. Making the time, adjusting how you do business, and being open to change are excellent strategies for taking on these challenges. We have had the tools for success all along; it is just a matter of defining our goal and creating a plan and consequences to achieve it.
Why Joining Industry Groups is Essential for Auto Recyclers
As a Board Director on the ARM and an active member of the ARA, I think it is crucial to join at least your local auto recycling associations. Regardless of the size of your business, every recycler is affected by the industry and the political and economic influences on and within it. Joining an association gives you strength in numbers when these above influences start to cause the ‘fit to hit the shan’…so to speak.
Joining an advocacy group for your way of life is a positive and proactive benefit to yourself and your business’s viability and longevity. These associations keep you updated about the industry’s challenges and regulations and how other events and variables influence how we do business. It is crucial to join these entities because belonging to an association shows the rest of the industry and the public that you take what you do seriously.
Member benefits have grown significantly over the past few years, whereas in the past, membership to some felt like just a badge of honor but without sustenance. Now, some member benefits are ones you can only receive as a member. The biggest one I can think of is hands-on high-voltage vehicle training from Salvage Wire. Where else in the States can you receive in-depth and reliable training for such a game-changing shift in our industry just by being a member?
Being part of an association, beyond just the pride of being part of something that is created solely for your benefit, also gives you a support system. Whether an issue may arise at your facility, be it environmental compliance or operational regulation, the members and the board of the associations make time to help you out in every way they can, from giving up advice, mapping out a plan of action, or even with stepping in helping address and resolve the problem with you.
The association is there to help you succeed and get where you want to be. The membership offers discounts for certain industry events and equipment and even cuts costs on your insurance in some cases. It is an opportunity to evolve, enhance and safeguard your business. These associations are oracles of knowledge and information crucial to the way we do business. Knowledge is still power, and in an industry that is constantly changing, being a part of these kinds of associations is vital to flowing with the river instead of being washed away or submerged by the current.
Adapting to Emerging Trends: Navigating the EV Shift, Net-Zero Goals, and Global Market Pressures
As the auto recycling industry continues to evolve, emerging trends are hitting recyclers in the United States hard. America’s push to meet Net Zero emissions by 2030 has catapulted us into rushing a process that should not be rushed.
The shift towards EVs and HEVs has already created a significant impact in our industry, and we have only just begun. Case in point is the influence and effect that this evolution has had on the precious metal markets. We are in a downswing in the converter market that has an uncertain, not bleak, future at the moment. The movement towards Decarbonization continues to plague our ferrous and non-ferrous streams. In a nutshell, while the EV shift has created new challenges and opportunities, it has put a damper on two of the biggest revenue-generating markets for our industry.
The two other major influences set to impact the auto recycling industry are the dynamics of U.S. relations with China and the repercussions of the European Union implementing its auto recycling directive.
These external challenges and catalysts will shape the state of auto recycling immediately within the next few years.
Navigating relations with China presents complexities for American industries, and it would be prudent for our sector to explore contingencies, alternative strategies, and potential scenarios in light of the current landscape both domestically and within China. The European Union has stepped up to the plate and crafted its auto-recycling directive into law. How this will be enforced and how recyclers will survive, sustain, and thrive under regulation will lead the way and influence the direction of the recycling industry in the States.
Westover Auto Salvage’s Commitment to Innovation and Advocacy
Westover Auto Salvage may be a smaller recycler, but its vision and aspirations for the future are quite grand. By staying involved and educated about what is happening around the globe, here at home, and within our industry, we will continue to plan for the challenges of tomorrow.
The shift towards EVs will motivate us to keep up with market trends and to comply with new regulations and environmental standards. We will continue to do what is right over what is easy. By creating new relationships with legislators and cultivating the ones we have within our industry and an association, we will work alongside fellow auto recyclers to advocate for fair regulation and opportunity to market, ascertain and sell our parts. Westover Auto Salvage will flow with this river and adapt to where the markets shift. Our company will continue to be resourceful and resilient in our pursuit of automotive victory. We will do all it takes to remain relevant and compliant to be trained in the changing landscape our industry is now heading in. Through analysis of operations and business models, we are preparing to welcome the challenges of the future and are ready to turn the learning curve into a profitable opportunity.
Our business will continue to help re-educate the public about how ‘Junkyard’ (for us, at least) is our origin story. It is how we are searched, but it is not how we operate. Westover Auto Salvage will help continue the Automotive Recyclers Association’s resolve to prove that it is a thought leader within our industry. Through innovation, transparency, and customer service to accompany our quality-used parts, ourselves and the association will always champion the movement towards a circular economy and a cleaner and greener prosperous tomorrow.
