From Farm to Industry Leadership: The Nordstrom Legacy in Auto Recycling
What began as a modest family farm in South Dakota has grown into a nationally recognized name in the auto recycling industry. Shannon Nordstrom, co-owner of Nordstrom’s Automotive Inc., recently sat down for a podcast interview that offered an intimate, inspiring look into the history, growth, and values behind the business—and the family that built it.
A Humble Beginning on the “Funny Farm”
The story starts with Art and Marie Nordstrom, Shannon’s parents, who took over the family farm following the untimely passing of Shannon’s grandfather, Walt. With determination and faith, they transformed the farm—affectionately nicknamed the “Funny Farm”—into a thriving enterprise. What began with fixing up a wrecked pickup truck grew into a full-fledged auto recycling operation.
Faith and family values have always been the core of Nordstrom’s philosophy. The family’s Christian beliefs shaped their business culture, emphasizing hospitality, integrity, and community service. Shannon recalls, “We learned to treat every customer like royalty,” a principle that remains central to their success today.
Growing a Business—and a Voice
Shannon officially joined the family business in 1988 after briefly pursuing a degree in electronics. Realizing his true passion lay in the automotive world, he returned to help expand Nordstrom’s Auto Recycling. He soon discovered the importance of industry engagement, becoming a champion for certification programs through the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA).
Under his leadership, Nordstrom’s became one of the first certified auto recyclers in the nation. This positioned the company to handle newer, more valuable vehicles, greatly accelerating its growth. Shannon continues to play a major role in shaping industry standards, spearheading efforts to merge the ARA and URG certification programs into a unified quality assurance system.
The Radio Show That Took Off
In 1990, inspired by his mother’s idea, Shannon launched a local radio show to promote their business. That seed grew into the nationally syndicated Under the Hood Show, now broadcast on over 250 stations and boasting millions of podcast downloads. Shannon co-hosts the show alongside Russ Evans and Chris Carter, delivering automotive advice with humor and approachability. It has since evolved into its own self-sustaining media business.
Personal Legacy and Industry Leadership
Beyond his business accomplishments, Shannon’s story is one of personal commitment—to his family, his faith, and his peers in the industry. Married for nearly 30 years to his wife Tammy, Shannon credits her unwavering support as key to managing both family life and professional demands. Their three children, including son Riley who now works in the business, represent the third generation of Nordstroms continuing the family legacy.
Shannon is also preparing for a significant milestone: being installed as the next president of the ARA at the 82nd Annual Convention in Birmingham, Alabama, in October. “It’s my turn to give back,” he says, emphasizing how industry relationships have supported his journey.
Conclusion: Built on Values, Driven by Passion
Shannon Nordstrom’s story is a testament to how humble beginnings, strong values, and community engagement can lead to extraordinary success. Whether through their certified business practices, their industry leadership, or their syndicated radio presence, the Nordstrom family continues to be a guiding light in auto recycling. Their motto, “PTLA – Praise The Lord Always,” remains etched on everything they build—a symbol of the foundation on which their legacy stands.
