The “Road to the Future” Yard Tour showed that automotive recycling innovation depends as much on collaboration as technology. By opening leading US facilities to international peers, ari and URG gave recyclers practical insight into workflows, leadership and AI, reinforcing how shared knowledge can raise standards and strengthen the industry.
Yvette Jones, Senior Marketing Manager at ari (auto recycler intelligence), reflects on the “Road to the Future” Yard Tour held ahead of the 2026 URG Conference. Launched four years ago by ari CEO and Founder Chris Daglis, the tours give recyclers first-hand access to leading US facilities, highlighting how collaboration, practical knowledge sharing and technology can help build a more efficient and connected industry.
The automotive recycling industry has always been built on resilience, innovation and a willingness to adapt. As technology accelerates and customer expectations continue to evolve, there has never been a more important time for recyclers to learn from one another and embrace new ways of working.
That philosophy was the inspiration behind the “Road to the Future” Yard Tour, hosted by ari (auto recycler intelligence), formerly Auto PARTnered Solutions, in partnership with URG (United Recyclers Group), in the lead-up to the 2026 URG Conference in Denver, Colorado.
Held across May 5 and 6, 2026, the two-day experience brought together industry professionals from across North America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK for exclusive behind-the-scenes access to some of the region’s most respected automotive recycling facilities. But the event was about much more than opening gates and showcasing equipment; it was about creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing and meaningful conversations about the future of the industry.
Learning from the best
The “Road to the Future” itinerary featured visits to Stadium Auto Parts, Central Auto Parts, H&H Auto Parts, Team PRP and Daurio Auto Truck across Colorado.
Each operation has its own unique story and business model, yet all share a common commitment to innovation, continuous improvement and customer service. Attendees had the opportunity to observe operational workflows, discuss business strategies with leadership teams and explore how technology is being integrated into everyday processes.
For many participants, seeing these facilities in action provided practical insights that simply cannot be gained from conference presentations alone.
Capturing the stories behind the businesses
A highlight of the tour was the opportunity to hear directly from the people who have shaped the automotive recycling industry over decades.
As part of ari’s Masters of the Industry video series, CEO Chris Daglis interviewed respected leaders, including Norm Wright from Stadium Auto Parts, Ben Silver, Gavin LeGrande and Seth Gregory from Central Auto Parts, Zane Malcolm from H&H Auto Parts, Jarret Hann from Team PRP and Nick, Mike and Greg Daurio from Daurio Auto Truck.
These conversations went beyond business operations to explore leadership, succession planning, industry challenges and the importance of embracing change while preserving the values that have made these family-owned recycling businesses so successful.
The interviews also highlighted a recurring theme: the value of collaboration. Time and again, industry leaders encouraged others to become involved in associations, user groups and networking opportunities, recognising that shared knowledge benefits the entire sector.
Why collaboration matters
One of the most striking observations from the tour was the openness with which businesses shared ideas and experiences.
In many industries, competitors closely guard their processes. In automotive recycling, however, there is a long-standing culture of helping peers improve, discussing common challenges and collectively raising industry standards.
Events like the “Road to the Future” Yard Tour strengthen these relationships by creating an environment where business owners, managers and suppliers can ask questions, exchange perspectives, and learn from one another in a practical setting.
That willingness to collaborate is one of the industry’s greatest assets and will continue to be critical as businesses navigate future challenges.
Technology shaping tomorrow
AI was a recurring topic throughout the tour, reflecting growing interest in how emerging technologies can support day-to-day operations.
Rather than replacing people, discussions focused on how AI can automate repetitive tasks, improve customer service, streamline communications and allow staff to focus on higher-value activities. From handling inbound enquiries to supporting administrative workflows and improving efficiency, technology is increasingly becoming an enabler of growth for progressive recycling businesses.
The conversations reinforced that successful AI adoption begins with solving real operational problems, not implementing technology for its own sake.
Looking ahead
The “Road to the Future” Yard Tour demonstrated that the future of automotive recycling will be driven not only by technology but also by people. Businesses willing to share knowledge, embrace innovation and invest in continuous improvement are helping shape a stronger, more connected industry.
On behalf of ari, we extend our sincere thanks to our host yards, attendees and sponsors who made this initiative possible, including URG (United Recyclers Group), Team PRP, Profit Team Consulting, Buddy Automotive Innovations and ScrapCATapp.
By opening their doors and sharing their experiences, these host yards helped create an event that celebrated what makes our industry unique: collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to moving forward together.
As the industry continues to evolve, one thing is certain….the road to the future is best travelled together.
If you would like to know more about how ari can help your business, please reach out to chris@ariintel.com.
Further Reading on Auto Recycling World
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OARA 2026: AI, Safety and Collaboration Take Centre Stage
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ARA and URG Revolutionize Professional Automotive Recycling Industry with Quality Assurance Program
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The 2025 URG & Team PRP Conference Returns to Orlando
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Revolution Underway: AI Is Already Transforming Auto Recycling
