Revving Up a Legacy:
The Serwacki Family’s Journey in Auto Recycling
The story of our family’s journey in the auto recycling industry is rooted in hard work, legacy, and adaptability. It all began back in 1972 when my grandfather, Matthew Serwacki Sr., walked into 20-60 Auto Parts looking for some parts and walked out owning the yard. For him, this wasn’t just a business decision; it marked the beginning of a multi-generational commitment to the auto recycling industry.
In 1982, my father, Mike Sr., took over the business and immediately began transitioning it from a traditional “junkyard” into a full-fledged auto recycling facility. He knew that if I ever wanted to take the reins, I’d have to learn every aspect of the business, so I started washing cars and sweeping floors during school breaks. As I worked my way up through every role, from hands-on labor to learning the complexities of running the operation, I didn’t just gain skills—I inherited my father’s vision for the company.
Then, in 2019, my world was shaken. My father unexpectedly passed away. At that time, I was also adjusting to life with twin newborns at home, so balancing family and business became a whole new challenge. With a lot of support from Ron Matthews, who was a great mentor, and my longtime friend Jeff Matthews (no relation) stepping in as General Manager, we were able to rebuild and strengthen the team. Since then, we’ve forged ahead, expanding on the foundation my father built.
“Being a multi-generation family business is something I’m immensely proud of. We infuse family values into everything we do, from how we treat our team to how we engage with the local community.” Whether it’s discovering new, more efficient ways to operate or finding that our established methods still work best for us, we’re constantly adapting. Talking to other businesses and sharing knowledge keeps us on our toes and drives us to improve.
Our operation spans over 20 acres. We bring in cars for thorough cleaning, inspection, and the inventory process. Afterward, they are depolluted—fluids, batteries, anything hazardous are removed—before moving to the pre-dismantling storage area for processing. With one half of our lot dedicated to full-service operations and the other for a self-service “U-Pull-It” section, we’ve got the space and systems to rotate vehicles efficiently, ensuring that the oldest cars are recycled first.
Technological advances have dramatically transformed our industry, and we’ve embraced these changes. Just over a decade ago, we were still using paper to keep track of inventory. Now, with tablets and instant communication, we’ve streamlined operations. A request for extra photos can be answered in minutes, and orders are sent directly to the parts pullers—no wasted time, no paper, no fuss. We’ve also integrated online sales to the point where we can fulfill orders overnight without even being in the office.
Of course, newer vehicle models continue to present challenges. But I’ve learned that every generation of auto recyclers face this. Just like my father and grandfather before me, we will adapt through continued training and staying up to date with industry standards.
Located in the tight-knit community of Sloan, just on the edge of Buffalo, we’ve always valued our relationship with the village. From participating in local events to supporting community initiatives, we give back as much as we can. We’re also proud to host regular firefighter training sessions for local departments, contributing to the safety of the broader region.
“The biggest challenge we face today is finding new talent… attracting new workers is always a struggle.” We’re fortunate that many of our team members have been with us for years, but like many businesses, attracting new workers is always a struggle. However, recently, we’ve had some success, bringing in some incredibly industrious, skilled individuals to join our team.
As for the future of the industry, I see nothing but growth. With more and more vehicles on the road every day, the demand for recycled auto parts will continue to rise. We’re seeing a lot of older, established facilities closing down or passing on without successors, which is unfortunate. But the successful facilities that are being passed down to the next generation are helping to elevate the industry, and that’s a huge source of pride.
If someone is starting in the business, my advice is to get involved. Join organizations like your state auto recycling association, ARA, or URG, attend conventions, and most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions. The wealth of knowledge in this industry is incredible, and the people are always willing to help. The key is taking that knowledge and applying it—being ready and willing to adapt and grow.
The most rewarding part of this journey has been seeing my father’s vision for the business come to life. “My father laid a solid foundation, and now it’s my job to build on that legacy.” By providing a fortified base for our team and offering better products to our customers, we continue to move forward.
Balancing family and business are never a straight line. There are always challenges and trade-offs. But by building a dedicated team, being present for my family, and staying grounded in our values, I’ve found a solid equilibrium. In the end, it’s not just about growing a business, it’s about developing a family legacy and contributing to an industry that continues to evolve.
