Troy Webber: Revolutionising Auto Recycling Through Innovation and Legacy

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decades, the automotive recycling industry has struggled to keep pace with technological advancements, often relying on outdated systems to manage sales, inventory, and reporting.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.