|
Texas Automotive Recyclers Association
March 2026 NEWSLETTER
| | |
A Message from the President
Dear Fellow Auto Recyclers,
As we enter the final week of the first quarter of 2026, it’s hard to believe how quickly the year is already moving—25% is behind us. Time certainly flies when business is in full swing.
Like many of you, I started the year with a full list of goals and projects. The challenge, as always, is not just identifying what needs to be done, but finding the time and resources to see those priorities through to completion. Getting started is often the hardest part—but it’s also the most important.
Across Texas, automotive recyclers are navigating a challenging environment. Rising costs continue to impact our operations—from inventory acquisition, insurance and wages to fuel, utilities, taxes, and facility maintenance. These pressures make it more important than ever to stay informed, connected, and equipped with the right tools and insights to succeed.
That’s where your association comes in. TARA is committed to supporting you and your business every step of the way. One of the most valuable resources we offer is our Annual Tradeshow and Conference—and I’m excited to share that we are officially gearing up for this year’s event.
| | |
We look forward to gathering in Fort Worth, Texas—Cowtown—for what promises to be an engaging and impactful conference. This event remains a cornerstone of our association, providing an opportunity to connect with peers, discover new solutions, and gain practical knowledge to help strengthen your business.
In preparation, our board members have been actively attending industry tradeshows and events across the country. They are bringing back valuable insights, innovative ideas, and best practices to share with our membership and incorporate into this year’s conference.
I want to personally recognize and thank our board for their continued commitment. Their time, effort, and dedication are instrumental in moving our association forward and delivering meaningful value to our members.
Our team is working diligently behind the scenes to make this year’s conference both informative and worthwhile. More details—including dates, registration, and programming—will be shared soon.
In the meantime, please keep an eye out for upcoming communications and plan to join us. We’re excited about what’s ahead and look forward to seeing you in Fort Worth.
Thank you for your continued support of TARA.
Sincerely.
Jay Roberts
President
| | | |
Wheels America was founded by Bob Stretch in 1994. As the automotive industry moved to aluminum alloy wheels, there was an opportunity to repair damaged wheels rather than replace them with new, expensive factory wheels from the dealer. Repairing wheels out of his garage in Arlington, Texas, local auto repair businesses began to take notice. As his business grew, so did the complaints from his neighbors. On a TV tray in his living room, Bob signed a small loan to lease a 1,500 square foot garage nearby in Grand Prairie.
In our 30th year of business, Wheels America now sits on over 75,000 square feet at six nationwide locations. We are a full-service OE wheel repair, remanufacturing, and replacement company. All six locations offer on-site and overnight repair, and as a company, we stock the most diverse selection of factory original wheels in the United States.
| |
|
If cars could talk, salvage yards would be the most entertaining places in the world. Imagine the stories they could tell—road trips, fender benders, spilled coffee, and that one time someone tried to fix a broken bumper with duct tape and hope.
Every vehicle that comes through a yard has a history. Some were daily drivers that faithfully got their owners to work for years. Others lived exciting lives hauling boats, towing trailers, or surviving teenage drivers learning how to parallel park.
Then there are the mystery cars.
You know the ones. The trunk opens and suddenly you’re looking at three mismatched shoes, a half-empty toolbox, fast-food wrappers from a restaurant that closed ten years ago, and a screwdriver that somehow became permanently wedged in the seat track.
The “Creative” Repairs
Auto recyclers see some of the most creative repairs imaginable. Somewhere along the way, someone decided zip ties, duct tape, and a bungee cord were perfectly acceptable automotive engineering tools.
You’ll find:
- Mirrors held on with tape
- Radiator hoses repaired with garden hose fittings
- Interior panels secured with drywall screws
- And the classic: a check-engine light that’s been “fixed” with a small piece of electrical tape.
Cars That Refuse to Quit
Some vehicles simply refuse to give up. You’ll see a truck with 300,000 miles on the odometer that still starts every morning like it has something to prove.
Meanwhile, a brand-new car might show up because a small sensor decided it was time for an expensive vacation at the repair shop.
It’s proof that sometimes the toughest vehicles aren’t the newest ones—they’re the ones that have survived years of road trips, potholes, teenagers learning to drive, and a few questionable oil-change schedules.
The Treasure Hunt
Working in an auto recycling yard is a little like a treasure hunt. You never know what you’ll find inside a vehicle.
Common discoveries include:
- Old coins and sunglasses
- Forgotten cell phones
- Tools that someone swore were “lost forever”
- And occasionally a set of keys that answers the age-old question: “Where did those go?”
The Second Life of a Car
While every vehicle eventually reaches the end of its driving days, many of its parts go on to live a second life helping keep other vehicles on the road.
That engine might power another truck for years. That door panel might restore someone’s project car. Even the metal itself may eventually become part of a brand-new vehicle.
So while a car’s road trips may be over, its story isn’t necessarily finished.
And if cars really could talk, salvage yards would probably be filled with laughter, tall tales, and a few complaints about the driver who ignored the oil-change reminder for 30,000 miles.
| | You can now sign up to be a TARA member online | | TARA extends a SPECIAL thank you to PMR for serving as this year’s DIAMOND sponsor of the 2025 TARA Tradeshow and Conference. | | |
A monthly donation does indeed add up and we thank you. A continuous thank to Ben Bell for his monthly contribution.
Thank you as well to Keny Daniele, Kathy and Jay Roberts, and TChad Taormina for the generous donations.
Without help like this we will not be able to continue to fight for your rights. Please consider a small donation to help the PAC Fund.
The PAC funds are used to help keep the recognition of the Recyclers in the eyes and ears of the Texas political candidates and parties who support Recyclers and our work.
It is a donation from your personal funds, and it is people like these folks who are here for the rest of us year after year.
| | | |
You ask,
“How can I donate?” It’s easy! We have been mailing out a form for your convenience to donate monthly, yearly, or a one-time donation for the year 2025.
Please take a moment to donate today.
Name on Card _________________________________________________________
Credit Card No._________________________________________________________
Exp _________________ cvv_______________ Billing Zip Code __________________
Billing Address__________________________________________________________
City___________________________________ St______________________________
Signature of Cardholder __________________________________________
PLEASE INDICATE YOUR OPTION OF DONATION:
COMMIT TO AT LEAST A DONATION OF $50 A MONTH.
(MONTHLY $__________) (YEARLY $___________) (ONE TIME $_________)
All PAC Fund donations need to be through a Personal account only
Mail your form to 11209 Buzzard Gulch Waco, TX 76708
| | |
Election Update
TARA Newsletter
March 5, 2026
2026 is an election year, with the Primary in March selecting party nominees for the November General Election. However, as discussed in the last newsletter, a Special Election runoff was held on January 31 to determine who will serve the remainder of the term for former Republican Senator Kelly Hancock, who resigned to become the Acting Comptroller.
In historically Republican Senate District 9, Democrat Taylor Rehmet of Fort Worth defeated Leigh Wambsganss with 57.21% of the vote. The two candidates will face each other again in November to determine who will represent Senate District 9 during the 2027 Legislative Session.
The Primary Election was held on March 3. At the top of the ballot were the highly contested races to determine the Republican and Democratic nominees for the U.S. Senate. In the Republican race, U.S. Senator John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton received the most votes, but because neither candidate secured more than 50 percent, the race will move to a runoff on May 26. On the Democratic side, State Representative James Talarico received more than 50 percent of the vote and will be the Democratic nominee in November.
Texas statewide offices were also on the ballot. Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick easily won their respective Republican primaries. On the Democratic side, State Representative Gina Hinojosa won the nomination for Governor, while State Representative Vikki Goodwin will face Marcus Velez in a runoff for Lieutenant Governor.
In the race for State Comptroller, former Senator Don Huffines won the Republican Primary, and Senator Sarah Eckhardt won the Democratic Primary.
The race for Attorney General will also head to runoffs in both parties. In the Republican runoff, Senator Mayes Middleton will face Congressman Chip Roy. On the Democratic side, Senator Nathan Johnson and Joe Jaworski will compete in the runoff.
Additionally, the Republican race for Railroad Commission will go to a runoff between Commissioner Jim Wright and Bo French.
I
In the Legislature, 16 Texas Senate seats are on the ballot in 2026, and all 150 seats in the Texas House of Representatives will be up for election. During the Primary, there were nine Senate contests and 83 House races. Two incumbent Senators faced primary challengers and both were successful: Republican Senator Charles Schwertner and Democrat Judith Zaffirini.
In the Texas House, 34 members faced primary challengers. Three incumbents were defeated, including Republicans Cecil Bell and Stan Kitzman, and Democrat Chris Turner. One sitting House member, Democrat Hubert Vo, is headed to a runoff.
For complete election results, visit:
https://goelect.txelections.civixapps.com/ivis-enr-ui/races
| | OTHER NEWS FROM AROUND TEXAS | |
|
Did you know?
The average car has about 30,000 individual parts when you count every nut, bolt, and component.
Did you know?
The first car accident happened in 1891 in Ohio, when a driver crashed into a hitching post.
Did you know?
The average car spends about 95% of its life parked.
Did you know?
The world’s first speeding ticket was issued in 1902 for driving 45 mph in a 30 mph zone.
Did you know?
The first car radio was introduced in the 1930s and was nicknamed the “Motorola,” meaning motor + victrola.
Did you know?
A modern car’s wiring can stretch over one mile long when laid out end to end.
Did you know?
The smell of a “new car” actually comes from dozens of different materials like plastics, adhesives, and fabrics releasing tiny amounts of chemicals.
Did you know?
The average American spends about 4 years of their life driving.
Did you know?
The most recycled material in the world is steel, and many vehicles contain over a ton of it.
Did you know?
Some cars today have more computing power than the computers used during the Apollo moon missions.
| | |
Lone Star Logistics: How Salvato Auctions is Putting Money Back into Texas Pockets
For decades, the Texas salvage industry has operated on a familiar—but increasingly inefficient—model. A totaled vehicle is transported to a centralized storage facility, moved multiple times, auctioned, and then hauled away again by the buyer. Each step adds cost, time, and unnecessary handling, all of which ultimately impact the recycler’s bottom line.
Salvato Auctions is challenging that model.
Selling Where They Sit: A Smarter Approach
At the core of Salvato’s strategy is a simple but impactful idea: sell vehicles where they sit. Instead of transporting inventory to large auction hubs, vehicles are auctioned directly from their original location or a nearby secure tow yard.
For recyclers, this creates three immediate advantages:
- Faster Access – Vehicles enter the auction cycle more quickly.
- Lower Costs – Eliminating multiple tows reduces acquisition expenses.
- Better Condition – Less handling means less incidental damage, preserving the value of parts.
It’s a practical shift that removes inefficiencies recyclers have long absorbed as “just part of the process.”
A Clear Financial Advantage
In today’s market, margins matter more than ever. Salvato Auctions is gaining attention because it directly addresses one of the biggest pain points: fees.
By streamlining operations, Salvato offers buyer fees that are typically 20% to 40% lower than traditional auctions. For recyclers who are used to sourcing from major platforms, the savings on comparable insurance vehicles can be significant.
At a time when operating costs are rising across the board, those savings can translate into stronger margins—or the ability to bid more competitively.
Built for the Buyer
Salvato has also simplified the auction experience itself. Where additional fees have become standard across the industry, their model is intentionally straightforward:
- Free registration
- No annual membership fees
- A single, transparent buyer fee
- No added internet, gate, or environmental fees
After the sale, buyers are given six days to complete payment and pickup—offering more flexibility than the tighter timelines common elsewhere.
Inventory That Delivers Confidence
Another key differentiator is inventory quality. Salvato focuses on 100% insurance vehicles, providing buyers with greater consistency and confidence.
Because these vehicles are fresh to market and handled less, recyclers are better positioned to assess value and maximize return on investment.
A Model That Depends on Participation
While the advantages are clear, the long-term success of this approach depends on industry adoption. The more recyclers who participate, the stronger the platform becomes—attracting greater inventory volume while maintaining lower costs.
Choosing to buy through Salvato Auctions isn’t just a short-term cost decision. It’s a step toward reshaping a system that has long worked against efficiency.
By supporting a model that prioritizes transparency, reduced handling, and lower fees, Texas recyclers have an opportunity to influence the future of their own supply chain.
copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?
Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
| | 2024-2025 BOARD OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS | | |
TEXAS AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERS ASSOCIATION
432-999-3274
| | | | |
