The Road to Something Bigger

Building Connections Beyond State Lines

ARM’s 16th Annual Road Show has grown from a Michigan association event into a wider industry gathering. Jacquelen Timm says the 2026 conference will bring recyclers, suppliers, sales professionals and partners together across state lines to strengthen education, collaboration, networking and support for the next generation of automotive recycling.

Jacquelen Timm, Executive Director of the Automotive Recyclers of Michigan (ARM), discusses how the association’s 16th Annual Road Show and Business Networking Conference has grown beyond a state event into a wider industry gathering. Taking place at Premier Auto and Truck Parts in Cedar Springs, Michigan, the event will bring recyclers, sales professionals, suppliers and partners together for education, networking, awards, fundraising and collaboration across state lines.

The Road Show has long been a tradition within the Automotive Recyclers of Michigan (ARM), bringing recyclers together to learn, connect, and share ideas. It is much more than a conference. It is where relationships are strengthened, ideas are exchanged, and our industry comes together to support one another.

This year, our Road Show has grown into something bigger than a state conference. It has become a conference without borders.

While ARM proudly serves Michigan recyclers, our doors are open to the entire industry. We welcome recyclers, sales professionals, suppliers, and industry partners from across the country to join us September 18–19, 2026, at Premier Auto and Truck Parts in Cedar Springs, Michigan.

The challenges we face, the opportunities ahead, and the future of automotive recycling do not stop at state lines. Neither should our conversations.

One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s event is the continued partnership between ARM and Team PRP. By bringing our organizations together once again, we are expanding the education and networking available to attendees.

“Partnerships like this strengthen the entire recycling industry,” says Jarret Hann, Executive Director of Team PRP. “When recyclers come together to share ideas, learn from one another, and build relationships, everyone benefits. We are proud to partner with ARM to connect people, encourage collaboration, and move our industry forward.”

Team PRP’s Sales School will once again run alongside our conference sessions, providing valuable education for sales professionals.

Scott and Chris Kooienga of Premier Auto & Truck Parts with ARM Executive Director Jacquelen Timm. — Owners of Premier – Scott and Chris Kooienga and ARM Executive Director Jacquelen Timm

Scott Kooienga, owner of Premier Auto and Truck Parts and current President of ARM, is excited to welcome attendees from both Michigan and beyond.

“Hosting the ARM Road Show at Premier Auto and Truck Parts is truly an honor,” says Kooienga. “This conference has become much more than a state event. We are welcoming recyclers from across the country, and our entire team is excited to open our doors and share our facility. This is going to be one of the best events we’ve ever had.”

Premier Auto & Truck Parts facility in Cedar Springs, Michigan, host of the 2026 ARM Road Show. — Premier Auto and Truck Parts facility – host of ARM Road Show

What makes this industry unique is the people. Recyclers are willing to share ideas, offer advice, and support one another in ways that are uncommon in many industries. Whether someone is attending their first ARM event or has been involved for decades, they quickly realize that the relationships formed here are just as valuable as the education.

Our exhibitors and sponsors deserve tremendous recognition as well. Their support makes this conference possible and reflects the strength of our industry and the value of coming together.

This year’s conference features one of our strongest speaker lineups yet. JC Cahill of VIN Match Pro, Shannon Nordstrom of Nordstroms Automotive and current ARA President, Mike Kunkel and Jer Banta of Profit Team Consulting, Bret Buike of National Reinsurance, and Reed Schram of Schram Auto Parts are just a few of the industry leaders who will be joining us to share their insights and experiences.

In addition to education and networking, we will also take time to recognize excellence within our industry by presenting several well-deserved awards. Celebrating the individuals and businesses that continue to move our industry forward is always one of the highlights of our conference.

We are also proud to support the future of automotive recycling through our scholarship program. Throughout the event, auctions and fundraising activities will help raise money to support students and invest in the next generation of industry leaders.

And of course, there will be plenty of time to have fun. Friday evening’s pub crawl through downtown Rockford will allow attendees to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Paintball, live music, cornhole, and additional evening activities will give everyone a chance to relax and enjoy time together outside the meeting room.

The volunteers, board members, sponsors, exhibitors, and industry partners who support ARM are the reason the association continues to grow and succeed. Their dedication and willingness to work together have helped make ARM one of the strongest state associations in the country.