Running a self-service yard profitably means thinking beyond today’s crush count and seeing how every decision connects—from vehicle acquisition and towing to safety, staffing, and commodity recovery. In “Self Service – Seeing the Big Picture,” a panel of experienced self-service automotive recycling operators breaks down the real-world levers that drive day-to-day performance, including how they source cars, structure call centers and on‑road buyers, work with tow vendors, set pricing, manage safety and SOPs, and track KPIs like converters per car, gate traffic, and close rates. If you want to step back from firefighting and start running your self-service operation with more intentional systems, smarter metrics, and stronger vendor and employee relationships, this session lays out the big-picture framework and the small tweaks that move the needle.
Eric Wilbert is a third generation automotive recycler in his family's New York based recycling business. He currently is the director of self-service operations for the family's three U-Pull It locations. Additionally, Wilbert’s has 2 full-service locations, a tire and wheel facility and a Christmas tree farm.
Eric is part of a large and active family which includes his father, uncle, two brothers and 6 cousins. Eric is an active member of ARANY currently serving as the immediate past president. Additionally, he is looking forward to serving on the Executive Committee for ARA starting in November, 2021.
Gary Lindros has been involved in the car industry for most of his life. Gary was first exposed to cars while spending time at his family’s used car lots washing and detailing cars. He later spent summers helping out at the family’s transmission shops. After college and several years working in both the paper and telecommunications industries, Gary returned to the car business.
He started working for Ace Pick A Part in 1996 as a cashier and inventory clerk. Gary is currently Vice President and in charge of daily operations at Ace’s 30 Acre facility, as well as the current president of the Florida Auto Dismantlers and Recyclers Association.
For over 15 years, Lance has been a noteworthy leader in the automotive recycling industry. He is the founder and CEO of BYOT Auto Parts that has 3 self service locations across Texas.
Lance is also on the board of the Texas Automotive Recycling Association and currently resides in the Central Texas area with his wife and 3 boys.