In 2009, Bill & Susan Weaver's 12-year-old auto recycling business, Trade Street, Inc. in Danville, Va., moved in a new direction. The duo, along with son Greg Weaver, took their used auto parts facility and teamed up with a local scrap recycler, Cycle Systems, to form AutoCycle, LLC. The new business is both a full-service auto recycling facility with an accompanying self-service section, The Parts Park. Revamping the business is just another page in this successful couple's book of accomplishments. The Weavers also own Weaver Industrial Equipment, a supplier of racking systems.

"Bill & Susan have spent most of their adult life working within this industry. They are either designing and selling equipment or promoting seminars for the good of the auto recycling industry," said Bo Wroten, Insurance Salvage Solutions, Jacksonville, Fla. "Either can answer specific questions you have regarding the industry or direct you to the person that can answer the question."

The couple used their knowledge to create an industry convention, IT (Auto Recyclers Reunion & Review), in 2000. Ten years later, it is still one of the industry's biggest annual events.

"One two-letter word says it all … IT," said Cale Reed, Jim's Import Auto Salvage, Sebring, Fla., the 2006 IT show host.

"The IT show brings together more vendors and salvage yards than any other single show," said Wroten. "IT combines education with working sales exhibits where the equipment for sale is viewed 'performing live' rather than on a video, which gives a purchaser a better understanding of the equipment."

In 2009, IT, held at Chuck & Eddie's Used Auto Parts in Plantsville, Conn., raised more than $77,000 for several charities and local associations.

"The coordination of a show this size is enormous," said Locator Executive Vice President / Chief Operating Officer Charis Lloyd. "The IT show offers an opportunity for the industry to come together to learn and share ideas. This duo is helpful and attentive to both the vendors and attendees. They have been influencing this industry for years. It is an honor for me to help recognize them for the work they have done."