In just 12 months, Kristi’s leadership has brought fresh ideas and strengthened connections within the URG community. With 13 years of experience in the organization, Kristi’s deep understanding of URG and our Members has allowed her to implement new initiatives without losing sight of the principles that have guided URG for decades.
Here’s a recap of some of the incredible achievements and initiatives from the past 12 months:
Building Stronger Connections: URG Road Trips
Kristi, Amanda, and Kristen have visited 27 yards across multiple states as part of the URG Road Trips initiative. These visits have deepened URG’s understanding of Members’ needs, allowing us to effectively tailor products and services.
United by Name and Nature
The 2024 URG Conference saw over 1,000 attendees in St. Louis — the largest turnout in the event’s history. This milestone highlights the growing collaboration between URG and Team PRP. At the conference, $71,000 was raised for the URG Scholarship Foundation, an incredible achievement that showcases the collective generosity of our industry.
Welcoming New Leadership
Kristi’s vision for URG is focused on future growth, and this was reflected in the addition of several new URG Board Members including Kelly Roepke, Ryan Falco, and Matt Carman – to help guide URG into its next chapter.
Leading Outside of URG
Aside from her daily commitments within URG, this past year, Kristi joined the Board of the Women’s Industry Network and Sponsorship Committee. WIN supports and enhances the role of women in the collision repair industry, promoting education, professional advancement, and networking. This all-volunteer group represents various collision industry segments. Last year was URGs first time hosting a WIN networking happy hour during our conference, and we’re excited to do it again this year!
Celebrating Members: Pizza Our Heart
The “Pizza Our Heart” initiative was launched to celebrate the hard work of URG Members. Each month, 12 yards are randomly selected to enter a draw for a Friday pizza delivery for their entire team to enjoy, recognizing everyone from dismantlers to sales staff.
Enhancing Technology: AutoPartSearch.com
Behind the scenes, Kristi is working with our development team and a committee of recyclers to revamp AutoPartSearch.com. The new version will offer better user experience and enhanced optimization for online sales, ensuring URG Members have access to cutting-edge technology.
OPS Trax and Mitchell Integrations
Our new TraxCollison Program creates greater opportunity for suppliers to increase part sales with a single, easy-to-use parts management tool with advanced features.
The Mitchell integration leverages the URG data feed to help recyclers seamlessly showcase inventory within Mitchell’s advanced estimating system, increasing accessibility and visibility for insurance carriers to optimize sales.
Rolling Out the URG Tire Search Function
This handy new add-on allows customers to easily browse tire inventory directly on Member websites, providing an additional tool to create convenience and drive sales.
New Business Marketing Services for Members
Kristi’s tenure also saw the launch of URG Marketing Services, offering Members affordable social media and marketing tools to help them strengthen their online presence.
Strengthening Web Services and Other URG Programs
During Kristi’s first 12 months as CEO, URG Website Services has built 24 new websites for Members, ensuring they remain competitive in the digital landscape.
There has also been concerted efforts and enhancements to the URG Warranty Program and the Data Tiering Program.
By incorporating the feedback and concerns of our Members, Kristi has also made improvements to the URG ecommerce search function, IIS Plugin. Some enhancements are:
- improved speed
- short code to display makes – both via buttons and logos
- extra Google Merchant feed fields for more complete listings
- support for kilometers vs miles
- new Tire Search widget
- option to hide VIN if needed
- labor flat fee option added to warranties
- extra options to control core price per part type or remove core charges
- ability to remove vehicles from latest arrivals if vehicle hasn’t been parted out yet
- Search by Part Type short code for engines, body parts, transmissions, wheels, electronics, suspensions
Keep your eyes open for NEW U-Pull-It benefits coming soon!
Operational Efficiency to Enhance URG Membership
Kristi has also implemented a critical shift in Member Services by dividing the roles of Amanda Morrison and Kristen Alexander, who had been both working with new and current Members. Amanda now focusses on vendor relations and current URG Member assistance, while Kristen manages leads and the onboarding of new Members. This change has already shown an impact on our efforts to grow and enhance service and increase the Membership base.
A Focus on the Future
As we reflect on Kristi’s first year as CEO, it’s clear that her leadership has positioned URG for continued growth and innovation. Her focus on Member engagement, industry collaboration, and technological advancement has laid a solid foundation for an exciting future.Our
