What happens when life forces you to step up and lead? Shan Latham never expected to find herself at the helm of Cocoa Auto Salvage, but following family tragedy, this second-generation recycler transformed from financial manager to industry leader. Her journey reveals powerful lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the unexpected paths we sometimes must navigate.
"Treat everybody fairly," Shan shares, echoing the wisdom her parents instilled when founding their Florida recycling operation in 1979. This simple principle has guided her through complex business decisions and helped build a thriving company culture. Her story about repositioning an underperforming employee who became her star parts puller demonstrates her keen insight: "Sometimes you have the right person, they're just in the wrong seat."
Shan credits industry connections as her lifeline during challenging transitions. Unlike many competitive fields, automotive recycling fosters a collaborative spirit where even competitors freely share knowledge and support. Her involvement with FADRA, ARA, and URG provided crucial education and relationships, ultimately leading to her presidency of both state and national associations. "What you put into it is what you'll get back," she advises newcomers, emphasizing the unlimited opportunities available.
Looking ahead, Shan identifies securing affordable salvage vehicles as the industry's most pressing challenge, with global demand driving fierce competition. She advocates for balanced export regulations and stronger partnerships with insurance companies and auction houses. While acknowledging industry consolidation will continue, she remains optimistic about the future of independent recyclers, noting their ability to pivot quickly gives them certain advantages over larger corporations.
Want to connect with industry leaders and access valuable education? Join us at the FADRA conference July 17-19 (celebrating its 50th anniversary!) and the ARA conference in Birmingham October 15-18. These events aren't just educational—they're transformative opportunities to build the relationships that can help your business thrive.
