Cornell’s Auto Parts Commitment to Community | Buying Local S3E43

In this episode of the Buying Local Podcast, host Mike Nelson chats with Casey Cornell and Mike Colvett from Cornell’s Auto Parts about growing a second-generation family business, supporting the community through fundraisers like breast cancer awareness, and navigating the challenges of the auto recycling industry. They also discuss company culture, car shows, and the future of vehicles in New York State.

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You can connect with Cornell’s Auto Parts at cornellsusedautoparts.com or on Facebook.

00:00 Welcome & final episode recording from Mike’s kitchen
01:15 Introducing Casey Cornell & Mike from Cornell’s Auto Parts
04:00 History of Cornell’s Auto Parts and Casey’s journey into the business
06:30 Implementing EOS and building strong company culture
10:20 Community involvement and breast cancer awareness fundraiser
13:00 Supporting multiple local charities throughout the year
15:30 Challenges of fundraising and lessons from past events
18:00 Annual car show, Folds of Honor, and weathering tough years
20:00 Behind the scenes of auto recycling and salvage operations
23:00 How vehicles are purchased, processed, and sold for parts
26:00 Scrap markets, byproducts, and environmental responsibility
30:00 Serving wholesale shops, repair centers, and local customers
33:00 Deliveries across NY, MA, and VT – and why no “U-Pull-It” option
36:00 Quality, warranties, and the customer experience
38:30 Engines, transmissions, and why maintenance matters
41:00 Challenges of doing business in New York State
44:00 Staffing, PTO, and evolving workplace expectations
46:30 Biggest lessons learned in 20+ years of business
50:00 Local businesses and community leaders making an impact
53:00 Greenfield events, Lions Club, and local pride
55:00 Where to find Cornell’s Auto Parts