Troy Webber: Innovator in Automotive Recycling and Legacy Business Leader
Troy Webber is the third-generation owner of Chesterfield Auto Parts in Richmond, Virginia, and the founder of Yardsmart, the world’s first cloud-based yard management software specifically designed for automotive recyclers. With over 100 employees across three locations, Troy has committed his career to modernising the auto recycling industry while honouring the legacy established by his father and grandfather.
Recognising the challenges faced by recyclers due to outdated systems, Troy developed Yardsmart as a SaaS (Software as a Service) product. This software provides real-time inventory tracking, seamless updates, and advanced sales reporting capabilities. Since its launch, Yardsmart has gained industry-wide acclaim, earning Innovation in Cloud Computing from RVATech in 2022.
Through Yardsmart and his work with Chesterfield Auto Parts, Troy continues to lead with a vision for an efficient, collaborative, and tech-driven future for automotive recycling.
Table of Contents
As the third-generation owner of Chesterfield Auto Parts in Richmond, Virginia, Troy Webber has dedicated his career to modernising the automotive recycling industry. With three locations and a team of 100, Troy leads with a legacy-focused mindset, driven by the ambition to preserve and elevate the work started by his grandfather and father. In a rapidly evolving industry, Troy has risen to the challenge, creating Yardsmart—a groundbreaking, cloud-based yard management software that has been changing how auto recyclers manage inventory, sales, and operations in real time.
In this interview, Troy shares the journey, challenges, and innovative strategies that have guided his mission to ensure automotive recycling businesses not only survive but thrive.
Turning Challenges Into Solutions: The Birth of Yardsmart
For decades, the automotive recycling industry has struggled to keep pace with technological advancements, often relying on outdated systems to manage sales, inventory, and reporting. Recognising this gap, Troy decided to take matters into his own hands. “With no constructive or reliable software systems available, I developed Yardsmart initially for our business’s internal use,” he explains. Yardsmart was designed to streamline inventory tracking, provide real-time sales data, and offer seamless updates, helping yards operate more efficiently and accurately.
After two years of successful beta testing with large auto recycling yards, Yardsmart was officially launched as a SaaS (Software as a Service) product. The response was overwhelmingly positive, leading to widespread adoption across the industry. “Seeing the impact it had on other yards convinced me to offer it as a subscription-based software,” Troy says. “It’s currently the only cloud-based solution of its kind in the world.”
In 2022, Yardsmart was awarded Innovation in Cloud Computing by RVATech, marking it as a pivotal advancement in the auto recycling industry.
Growing Yardsmart’s Reach: Key Strategies for Success
To ensure Yardsmart’s success, Troy implemented a multi-faceted approach to promote the software and its benefits:
Industry Trade Shows and Demos: Troy made it a priority to attend trade shows in person, showcasing Yardsmart to potential clients face-to-face. “Getting out there and directly connecting with auto recyclers allowed them to experience Yardsmart firsthand,” he explains.
Strategic Public Relations and Marketing: Through targeted PR efforts, Troy amplified Yardsmart’s visibility in industry publications, podcasts, business articles, and local media outlets. This approach not only broadened awareness but also solidified Yardsmart’s credibility across the industry.
Thought Leadership in Trade Publications: By contributing articles and insights to trade publications, Troy has established himself as an authority within the automotive recycling space. “Building a reputation as an expert has helped garner respect and trust,” he says.
Customer-Centric Service: A cornerstone of Yardsmart’s success is its emphasis on customer satisfaction. “Providing exceptional customer support is key,” Troy shares. “When clients feel valued, they’re more likely to spread the word.”
Embracing Change in the Future of Automotive Recycling
Looking to the future, Troy envisions a wave of changes across the industry, driven by the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), shifting regulations, and an increased emphasis on sustainable recycling practices. “The inventory landscape will change as EVs become more prevalent, and there will be new legislation affecting who can participate in recycling,” Troy notes. He emphasises that staying connected as an industry and embracing technology will be essential to meeting these challenges.
“My vision for the industry is one where knowledge is shared openly, allowing everyone to benefit,” Troy says. “If we work together and adapt, we’ll be well-prepared to navigate the evolving demands of the automotive world.”
Building a Lasting Legacy
As a leader in his field and the heir to a multi-generational business, Troy’s commitment to building a legacy for his family and industry is at the heart of his work. “I want to leave the business stronger than I found it, just as my father and grandfather did,” he shares. Beyond his own company, Troy’s long-term vision includes creating an industry-wide system that connects auto recyclers, offering a central hub for information and resources.
“My ultimate goal is to improve the reputation of our industry and foster a culture of collaboration,” he says. “When we lift each other up, we all benefit.”
Innovation and Integrity in Auto Recycling
Troy Webber’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to preserving a family legacy while transforming an industry. By creating Yardsmart, he has redefined what’s possible for automotive recyclers, providing them with tools to stay competitive and efficient in an increasingly digital world. With his eye on the future and his dedication to supporting industry-wide growth, Troy continues to inspire and lead as a visionary in automotive recycling.
For more information about Yardsmart, visit yardsmartapp.com.
Q&A with Troy Webber: Innovating Auto Recycling with Yardsmart
Q: What inspired you to create Yardsmart, and what gap does it fill in the automotive recycling industry?
Troy Webber: Yardsmart was born out of necessity. As the third-generation owner of an automotive recycling yard, I saw that outdated systems were holding our industry back. There was no reliable software to track inventory in real time, manage sales efficiently, or offer seamless updates. Yardsmart fills that gap by providing recyclers with a cloud-based solution tailored to our specific needs, giving them the tools to stay competitive.
Q: What strategies did you use to promote Yardsmart, and how did they contribute to its success?
Troy Webber: I focused on personal demos at industry trade shows and using public relations to increase visibility through trade publications and podcasts. Building credibility as an expert by contributing to trade publications helped establish Yardsmart’s reputation. We also put a strong emphasis on customer service, which encouraged positive word-of-mouth from satisfied clients.
Q: How do you see the automotive recycling industry evolving over the next five years?
Troy Webber: The industry is going through significant changes, especially with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and new legislation. I think we’ll see a shift in the types of vehicles and materials being recycled, along with stricter regulations. To adapt, it’s essential for auto recyclers to embrace technology like Yardsmart to stay efficient and compliant.
Q: What’s your ultimate vision for Yardsmart and the auto recycling industry as a whole?
Troy Webber: My vision is to create a sustainable, connected industry where recyclers can share knowledge, use advanced technology, and operate more effectively. By providing an industry-wide system that helps recyclers work better together, I believe we can raise standards and achieve long-term success.
Q: You’re following in the footsteps of your father and grandfather. What does legacy mean to you?
Troy Webber: Legacy is everything to me. My goal is to honour the work my family started and take it even further. I want to leave a strong, modern business for future generations, one that contributes to our industry and makes a positive impact on the environment. That’s what drives me every day.
Author
"Elevate Your Brand with an Exclusive Feature Interview!"
