Leaving The Family Business Prepared Her To Take Over This Third Generation Auto Recycler

In this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Amber Kendrick, the owner of Pete's Auto Parts, an auto parts recycling yard near Grand Rapids, Michigan. Amber’s journey through the family business provides an insightful perspective on modernizing a legacy while honoring its history—offering valuable lessons for those navigating similar paths in family-owned enterprises.

The Origins of Pete's Auto Parts

Amber's grandfather founded Pete's Auto Parts in the 1950s when he was struggling to make ends meet as a farmer. Starting with a homemade tow truck, he began towing abandoned cars, eventually turning the growing collection into an official salvage yard. Pete’s Auto Parts originally operated as a salvage and towing operation, evolving into a full-service used auto parts recycling facility. Amber shares how her grandfather’s persistence laid the foundation for a multi-generational family business and how her father eventually focused the business entirely on used parts, ending the towing services to streamline operations.

Growing Up in the Family Business

Amber recounts her early years working at Pete’s Auto Parts. Like many children in family-run businesses, she was tasked with some of the least appealing jobs—sweating it out in warehouses and handling inventory. Despite these initial hardships, Amber gained invaluable experience, which later helped her professionally. After completing her degree and spending time in condominium management, where she learned essential financial and management skills, Amber realized her passion lay in growing businesses and leading teams, experiences that indirectly prepared her for returning to her family's business.

Transforming the Business Model

When Amber officially joined Pete's Auto Parts in 2006, she noticed several inefficiencies, such as sending all financial records to an external accountant instead of hiring in-house. She introduced significant changes, focusing on modernizing inventory processes and improving internal operations. The yard transitioned from a simple pick-and-pull junkyard into a professional used auto parts recycling facility. Amber highlights how they now manage inventory, photograph parts, and use trained technicians to ensure that each part meets quality standards before being sold. Under Amber’s leadership, Pete’s Auto Parts has tripled in size, focusing on customer service and transforming their salvage yard into a full-service, professionally managed recycling center.

Listeners can learn more about Amber Kendrick by connecting with her online and follow Pete's Auto Parts on FB.

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Disclaimer: This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.

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