For Island Auto Supply, success is in the small details

For Dalbert Livingstone from Island Auto Supply in Brackley, Prince Edward Island, 2023 was first and foremost, a positive year. While the year may not have seen any dramatic changes, Dalbert took the time as an opportunity to continue developing the important small details.

When asked by Canadian Auto Recyclers, Dalbert commented that at Island Auto Supply, “we continue to work on small things that make a big difference. For example, quality control. Minor changes in our grading of parts leads to less returns and happier customers. It’s never perfect, but something we continue to work on.” Alongside efforts to foster positive relationships in 2023, Dalbert further noted that the year’s biggest challenge was navigating the industry technician and worker shortage.

“Finding and training new employees is a lot harder than it was five years ago. I can remember posting job ads, getting dozens of resumes, interviewing five prospective candidates, hiring one or two. Now, we struggle to get even two applicants for job postings.” Still, despite these industry-wide challenges, Dalbert is continuing the trending theme of 2023 and remains optimistic for the new year. When asked what he and his team are most looking forward to in 2024 so far, Dalbert told Canadian Auto Recyclers that he is excited about potential new revenue streams.

“There are a lot of emerging companies that want our stale hybrid batteries or stale hybrid transmissions. There are a lot of components in these slow moving parts that will generate revenue and help us, and the industry as a whole, further the recycling of cars for the future.”