This month, we started our first road trip of the year hitting Pensacola, FL, Mobile, AL and Biloxi, MS. Traveling over 203.8 miles and visiting 9 yards and holding some lambs along the way!
Stop #1: Pensacola Auto Parts – Pensacola, FL
The journey kicked off at Pensacola Auto Parts, where we had an insightful discussion with Alex about URG member benefits, covering tiering, WHI, eBay, and website management. Alex provided an in-depth look at how Pensacola Auto Parts leverages these tools to maximize efficiency and sales.
A standout feature of their 16-acre property is their commitment to year-round comfort, with air conditioning and heating in their warehouses and dismantling bay—something that truly sets them apart in the industry. Their multiple photo stations ensure high-quality images for eBay and Facebook Marketplace listings, helping them maintain a strong online presence.
Thanks to Alex for a warm welcome and an excellent start to our road trip!
Stop #2: Kiker’s U-Pull-It
Kiker’s U-Pull-It is a family-run operation built by Hunter’s grandfather and father, spanning 15 acres—70% self-serve and 30% full-serve. The business has been a staple in the community, evolving over the years to meet changing demands.
At their peak, they once bought 52 vehicles in a single day from the street! Nowadays, they bring in 6-10 vehicles daily, averaging 120 per month, with 150 as their ideal target. Their strategy involves parting out high-value components for full-service sales while moving the remaining parts to self-service, ensuring customers get access to affordable parts.
With a dedicated 10-person team, Kiker’s U-Pull-It continues to uphold their family legacy while evolving with the industry. Their ability to balance efficiency with customer service makes them a standout in the auto recycling sector.
Stop #3: Butler Auto Parts
Kristen and Amanda wrapped up Day 1 at Butler Auto Parts, where innovation drives efficiency. The team showcased their unique approach to yard management, using Google Maps and Microsoft Paint to restructure the entire yard layout—a true testament to their ingenuity and resourcefulness.
Their process includes two dismantling stages: first, engines and drivetrains, followed by an e-commerce dismantling bay. This ensures maximum efficiency in processing vehicles and optimizing inventory. Each vehicle gets a comp sheet to ensure accurate inventory tracking, a critical step in managing their high turnover rate. With limited storage, they rotate inventory based on age, ensuring fresh stock is always available.
A key highlight is that 50% of their sales come from non-interchange parts listed on eBay, demonstrating their strong online presence. Their 41-member team recently set a record for parts shipped in a single day—congratulations to Team Butler!
We ended the night with a wonderful dinner with the Butler crew—thank you for the hospitality and insights into your operation!
Day 2:
Counselman Auto Recycling – Spanish Fort & Mobile, AL
Spanish Fort:
Established in 2001, this 14-acre site overcame a major challenge after a devastating fire in 2009. Rather than letting it set them back, the team took the opportunity to rebuild from the ground up, processing 1,058 Cash for Clunkers vehicles in the process. James, a key figure in the operation, even poured the concrete for their new warehouse himself, exemplifying the hands-on commitment of the team.
Now, with 18 employees at this location and 76 across five other sites, they’ve optimized operations, including signing on to the warranty program, allowing them to save on staffing costs maintaining excellent service.
Mobile:
This location has been operating since 1956 and serves as the main storage hub for three of their locations. One dismantler has been with them for 33 years, reflecting the strong team culture that drives their success. All returns (except Birmingham’s) are processed at this site, and they conduct a crushing cycle every three months to maintain efficiency.
We wrapped up the visit with some fried alligator at a local Elvis favorite—because when in Alabama, you have to embrace the local flavor!
Auto World Salvage:
Established in 1977 and purchased by David Green and Will Phillips in 2014, Auto World Salvage brings together auto recycling and legal expertise—an uncommon but effective combination!
- 17 acres (operating on 9)
- 35 employees
- New 20,000 sq. ft. storage warehouse
One of the most impressive aspects of Heritage is their development of custom software to track parts in real-time. This has helped reduce shipping errors to nearly zero, significantly improving order accuracy and customer satisfaction. Their dismantling process prioritizes interior parts before mechanical ones, utilizing a modified man lift and plastic pallets for optimal storage and efficiency.
Beyond work, they invest in their employees with a basketball court, batting cage, and playground, fostering a positive workplace culture. Their 150-person meeting space further reinforces their commitment to both productivity and team-building.
We ended the visit with a trip to Caleb’s family farm to see the sheep—what a great way to close the day!
Day 3:
Final Stops
ABC Auto Parts
Our first stop on Day 3 took us to ABC Auto Parts, a 40-acre yard with three warehouses and over 1,000 vehicles on-site. With just 10 dedicated employees, including one dismantler who processes 10 cars per week, they maintain an incredibly lean and efficient operation. Their unique intercom system gave us a nostalgic throwback to school days, helping streamline communication across the large property.
They also repurpose fuel for yard vehicles and clear out inventory annually to keep things fresh. Family ties run deep here—Ken’s father, Ken Sr., originally owned ABC and KW Cooks. Now, Ken manages ABC while his stepmother runs KW.
Thank you, Sean, for the tour!
Arguelles Automotive Parts
This 22-acre yard has been serving the industry since 1985. With 11 employees and a single dismantling bay, they maintain a tight and efficient operation. The business is a true family legacy—Rick started cleaning cars and working here at just 13 years old. Now, he co-owns the business with his mother, Barbara, after the passing of his father, Richard, a fiberglass master recognized in the local newspaper for his craft.
During our visit, we discussed URG member benefits, including tiering, PartsTrader, and website optimization.
Thanks, Barbara, for the tour!
Biloxi Auto Recycling
Our final stop was Biloxi Auto Recycling, originally opened in 1976 as Barry’s Import. Owner Dale started as a parts puller, worked his way to the top, and purchased the business in 1999. Now, he runs it alongside his son, Jimmy.
- Operate on 10 acres (own 20 acres)
- 15 employees, including 2 dismantlers
- 3 delivery trucks serving body shops and mechanical customers daily
Fun fact: their current showroom was once the original warehouse! They crush vehicles 1-2 times per year to keep the yard organized and efficient.
Thank you, Dale and Jimmy, for an incredible tour!
Wrapping Up
This road trip highlighted the dedication, innovation, and family values that drive the auto recycling industry. A huge thank you to everyone who welcomed us—we can’t wait for the next adventure!
