Buying Local Podcast · Episode 43 · September 16, 2025 · 56 min
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. You can listen to the Buying Local Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. 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