In an industry built on transformation, few lessons are more relevant than those found in the ancient philosophy of Stoicism. Brian Bachand, CEO of Westover Auto Salvage in the US, draws inspiration from Marcus Aurelius to explore a deeper truth: the biggest obstacles we face are often the ones we create ourselves. In his reflection, Brian shares how personal motivation, industry disruption, and a commitment to meaningful involvement shaped his path, from protecting his own business to advocating for the future of auto recycling at large.
“Observe constantly that all things take place by change, and accustom thyself to consider that the nature of the Universe loves nothing so much as to change the things which are, and to make new things like them” – Former Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius, from Meditations
If you haven’t read this empowering epilogue on stoicism, I highly recommend doing so. It reads like a journal. One man’s thoughts are penned to pass on to generations of thinkers that would do well to spend more time in thought before action, and then perhaps, thoughtful action. “The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts”. Genius. But how and why is it difficult to apply this simple wisdom? Isn’t that one of the biggest challenges we face? The application, execution and consequences of putting our thoughts and motivations into existence.
Is it fear, the uncertainty or the unknown that betrays our thoughts of wonder, ambition and confidence? Or are the excuses that we all tell ourselves the real reasons why we question the calls to action? At the heart of all obstacles stands only one that obstructs us from where we are and where we want to be. That impediment looks back at us from a mirror each day and tells us why we should not get involved or whispers the flaws and follies of our potential endeavors. Echoes straining to say, ‘I don’t have time, I can’t commit, or nothing will change.’ How can I manage volunteering my efforts and resources, or what will happen if I have to take time away from my work, family or life? Whatever the challenge, perhaps it all comes down to You Against You!
Where do you want to be and how do you get there? Understanding our excuses and motivations, or better yet, turning our excuses into motivations, can help us overcome the challenges that come with getting involved. By acting on our ambitions, catering to our confidences and willing ourselves to wonder, we can be the driving force in creating a future we long to see written.
So what does Marcus Aurelius have to do with auto recycling, or better yet, why are we each standing in the way of our own fates? Some truths are universal; others do not translate. Would I seek answers in Meditations for better ways to optimize dismantling production, how to increase sales while lowering return rates or what association alignment will bring me influence? Definitely not the first place I would look. But if I take a step back and reflect on my own thoughts, decisions and actions, then maybe I would start to think more about why I am not being effective or where I am lacking. What is holding me back, and how will I move forward to reach my destiny? “What stands in the way, becomes the way”. If we allow ourselves to focus on the negatives or limit ourselves with self-doubt or assumed restrictions, then that is what becomes our reality. So does it not make sense that we should then “Confine yourself to the present” and that “It’s all in how we perceive it, You’re in control”? Control is a choice, one that only you can make, as is the choice to decide now that you can impact your business, the industry and our future.
Choosing to get involved in the auto recycling industry outside of your own business is a decision that, as auto recyclers, we all must come to make. How far you go and the degree of your involvement all depend on you. Some are proud to simply pay the due and have a tagline of belonging to an organization that promotes vehicle recycling.
Others want to be on every committee, constantly working to stay informed and building relationships worldwide to establish networks of influence. Regardless of one’s involvement, there is always a motivation to learn and do more. The entities that advocate for and beyond your own business exist for the purpose of brandishing the credibility and vitality of the Auto Recycler. You are their motivation. Whether it is the ARA, ARC, EGARA, or URG, TeamPRP, IRT, and AEDRA, these groups facilitate and advocate for what is in the best interest of the membership. Regardless of the demographic, the reasons for joining these types of associations are collectively inherent to each auto recycler’s pursuit of prosperity and perseverance.
Getting involved was a decision I made in response to a government initiative in the United States that took place around 2010. My motivation initially stemmed from a personal goal with the intention of solely benefiting my business. Cash for Clunkers was a government-funded program that shook the automotive industry here in the United States. Seeing vehicles come into my facility with purposely defective engines and having to scramble to process, dismantle, and crush them within a mandated period of time was oppressive and disconcerting, to say the least. One of, if not the highest-yielding part type, was destroyed, and then we were forced to crush the vehicle. The market was flooded with these clunkers, causing other markets to go sideways, negatively impacting the used auto parts sector and the industry as a whole. It was a short-sighted incentive for consumers that did not take the auto recycling industry and the alignment of markets into consideration. Experiencing the stress and uncertainty of something that, as a majority, auto recyclers did not want nor had a say in, was the event that got me thinking there has to be a way to get involved. A way to stay informed and help ensure that things like this are not allowed to compromise our business so easily.
As a second-generation auto recycler and someone who is continuing my father’s legacy, there was no way I was going to sit back and hope things would work themselves out. So I got involved. I vowed to elevate the business and hold myself and the company to higher standards. I was just a kid back then, but the fire grew with passion and pride and continues to burn brighter to this day. I began to follow different platforms and publications. I follow the Kitco App for the precious metals market multiple times a day. I attended my local state recyclers association meetings and have gone on to serve on the board of directors. I became active on the Facebook Salvage Yard Forum and shared my opinions.
I tried to think of every way I could get involved, no matter the scale or scope. Investing in the future of my business meant making waves, rather than continuing the linear trajectory that many of us get caught up in. The evolution of my involvement is still constantly reacting and expanding. Remaining current with trends and up-to-date with new data, technology, and regulations has led to my involvement with various nationwide committees and associations. What began as a choice I made to help influence my own future has shifted my perception to help grow and create opportunities and outlets for others. This transformation allowed me to shift my focus from myself and my business onto something bigger than just me. My involvement created a new scope that encouraged me to invest in the industry, from advocating for its processes and best practices to empowering its players.
The time I spent reading, writing, volunteering my time, watching ARA and URG training modules, attending conferences, and meeting and speaking with new people has empowered me. What started as a personal vendetta or self-motivation to protect and benefit my business evolved into an awareness, advocacy, and investment in the auto recycling industry as a whole. I had the tools all along to grow my business, and the ones I didn’t have, I am currently acquiring through involvement in one way or another. However, the real reward and key to success that I have seen through getting involved in associations and committees, along with staying informed and current in the industry, is being able to help build and influence the future of the auto recycling community as a whole.
Business models and operations will evolve, consumer demands will shift, and markets may fluctuate, but it is the mindset of each recycler that needs the most attention. Educating and encouraging our own on the best and safest practices is a major influence on ensuring the reliability and relevance that the recycler has in today’s value chain of commerce. Growing our audiences, as well as those involved, is just as important as being part of that audience for those who have yet to be involved.
We all pride ourselves on selling used parts, and although we do it in a unique way, it is up to each of us to ensure that it is done in a sustainable and fair manner. As ARA Past President Mike Swift has said, “If not you, then who?”. This means testifying on bills in Congress that come around, trying to dictate how we operate when there is a lack of consideration and representation for our industry. It means volunteering your time to meet with leaders and having conversations about the state of auto recycling in your region and what the forecast is. Staying current with commodity pricing and market swings, as well as the reasons influencing them. It could simply involve establishing new contacts within different regulatory bodies to initiate discussions about developing solutions and maintaining compliance. Or maybe it is as simple as getting to know your local Fire Chief and ironing out some contingency planning for your High Voltage Battery storage or your SPCC Plan. However, the easiest and hardest thing to do to get involved can also be the best and scariest thing: accepting and embracing change.
I realize that vehicle recycling around the globe can be intrinsic to its location and legislation. Some places here in America and other communities abroad are in their adolescence, while others are in a state of uncertainty or dishevel. Some dream of recycling a vehicle to 90% or more, while others are mandated to do so. Others have market advantages, while some are struggling just to get to the market.
We all face unique challenges, yet we are all in business to make money. No one wants to be told how to run their business, whether as a suggestion or stipulation. So I will not tell you to go out and do this or join that. The choice is yours and will continue to be as long as you make it so. You have to try and fail, and then figure it out and succeed, just as we all seem to do in this industry.
“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength” – Meditations.
Motivating you to run through a wall while trying to find inner peace. Everything starts and ends with you. Your perception or adjustment of it can change everything if you let it, whether you sell parts in Missouri, Manitoba, Mexico, or Monaco. Or dismantle vehicles in Moldova, Malaysia, Mongolia, or Mozambique, auto recyclers worldwide will continue to be stewards of sustainability and a source of innovation. And as Marcus Aurelius famously said:
“Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present”.
