38 By Marty Hollingshead There have been a lot of changes recently with ARA, our National Associ- ation. ARA and its leadership are focused on how to better serve its members, and the biggest need as I see it is in training and educa- tion. ARA is reinventing itself, and more importantly, each and every Recycler in this industry must participate, contribute, and support this organization at this crucial time for us. . ARA and our State Associations represent us. While they do their best to protect our interests as an industry, for them to be more effective, they need each and every Recycler’s support, participation, and com- mitment to address and help over- come problems facing our indus- try both now and in the future. There is a need for mentoring in the industry to make all Recyclers better operators. For its 75th Annual Conven- tion & Exposition in November ARA is putting together a panel composed of some of the indus- try’s leading Recyclers to advise and coach all Recyclers, big and small, full and self-service, and be available to help any Recyclers that may be struggling or may sim- ply be looking for answers and tips on how to be better operators. I think successful operators have an obligation to help others in our industry to improve their own businesses, with the ultimate goal of making the industry more con- sistent. This program will focus 2: Product: Purchasing the right vehicles to supply the cus- tomers in your market. Using data from your YMS to help you make informed business deci- sions to fill those needs. 4: Customer service: How to better serve and fill the needs of your customers. The impor- tance of providing a great cus- tomer experience. Customer retention, and the benefits of how good reviews can drive new cus- 1: People: How to attract, hire, train, and retain good employees. The importance of building a good team. Employees are a company’s greatest asset. 3: Process: How to properly inventory, dismantle, storage, proper preparation, quality con- trol, as well as proper handling, packaging shipping and transpor- tation. on the 3 P’s, (People, Product, and Process.) The mentoring program will focus on the big picture (getting back to the basics), with an emphasis on proper fundamentals. Do things right the first time. Don’t take the easy way out. While there are some quick fixes, over time big accomplishments can be made when done properly in small steps. This industry is tomers to you. Proper fundamentals In any industry, those that can learn, adapt, and apply change, will not only survive, but prosper and become better operators. Like the old Chinese saying goes, “May you live in interesting times.” It’s not all doom and undergoing a constant Change can be difficult and over- whelming at times. The best approach is to first realize the need for change, then to accept and embrace it. state of change Industry Matters The ARA (Peer to Peer) Mentoring Program