It's all in the family at Butler Auto Recycling, Inc. in Pensacola, Fla. And that's how the Butlers like it. The business, which started in 1977, consists of founders Jack and Ruth Butler and their children Jim Butler, Cheryl Nelson and Mark Butler.

Add one for good luck - and you have Kevin Nelson, Cheryl's husband, who married into the family and gained a new career. Cheryl and Kevin opened Butler U-Pull-It, Inc., a sister company, in May 1999.

It's a formula that has brought much success to the Butler family.

"I've known them for a long time," said Jim Seamans of Jim's Auto Salvage, Sebring, Fla. "Integrity and honesty would best describe the Butlers. They're just great people. They're also very industry oriented."

Brad Rutherford, Budget Auto Parts, Auburndale, Fla. agreed. "I've served on the [Florida Auto Dismantlers & Recyclers Association] FADRA board with Jim Butler for 17 years," he said. "He has good insight, not only where the recycling business has been but where it's headed."

Rutherford applauded the Butlers for their longevity in the business. "It's not always easy to stay together in a family business. I feel like it's an honor to be able to call them my friends. They are good, good people." 

The family is a longtime member of FADRA where Jim Butler served as president from 2004 - 2006. Currently, he is a director on the state level. He also sits on the ARA Educational Foundation committee and on the ARA CAR committee. He is a proponent of the ARA University and serves on the board of the Green Yards Technical Advisory Group. Butler Auto Recycling is also Gold Seal certified, an important distinction to the fastidious Butlers.

The business was recognized for its environmental commitment. Butler Auto Recycling recently met the rigorous criteria to become a Florida Green Yard. To do so, they had to demonstrate compliance with more than 35 best management practices ranging from proper container labeling to storm water management. Butler Auto Recycling is the first facility in DEP's Northwest District to complete the program, and the 25th yard in the state.