If you don't yet know the newest member of the ARA Executive Committee, you soon will. Randy Reitman, owner of Reitman Auto Parts in Melbourne, Ky., is becoming an industry force.

A third generation auto recycler, Reitman took over the family business when his father died in 1973. He was just 18 and had to grow up fast.

Now with many successful years under his belt, Reitman has moved beyond his business. He's been volunteering his time and expertise with the ARA, for which he earned the ARA Star Award for Regional Director in October 2006. This past December, he joined the ARA Executive Committee as secretary. He will be in line to accept the presidency of ARA in 2012.

While the industry involvement is a significant time commitment, both Reitman and his wife and business partner Fran feel that it doesn't detract from their work. In fact, it helps business.

"We've been traveling with the ARA around the world and it's just phenomenal what you learn from other recyclers," said Fran. "Everywhere you go, you bring something back, and it benefits your business at home. Through ARA conventions and trips, we meet others, trade ideas, tour yards and so on. Then we go back home and make improvements."

"Randy is a great asset to the association," said Doug Reinert, Chuck's Auto Salvage, Inc., Douglassville, Pa. "I've known him and Fran for many years. They run a fantastic family business."

Greg Bender, Speedie Auto Salvage, Dover, Ohio has known Reitman since he started in auto recycling. "We're about the same age," explained Bender. "We both grew up in the business. I have nothing but the utmost respect for him. I don't know a more honest or upstanding person. He's a real straight shooter. Randy is just a great, selfless person. He does a lot for the industry."

Reitman is so successful because he's smart and a hard worker, acknowledged Bender. He also doesn't carry a private agenda.

"Randy has a public agenda," said Bender. "He puts his time and effort into making the industry better. He does it for the future of auto recycling. He's more concerned with the results - and the last guy to take the credit. He wants it done right."