A Powerhouse Redefining the Towing Industry

When it comes to commanding attention and driving change in the towing industry, Karrie O’Neal Fogg does not just show up- she dominates it. My first encounter with Karrie in Washington, D.C., is one I will never forget. To set the scene: I am an introvert to my core, while Karrie is the exact opposite- bold, magnetic, and impossible to overlook. We found ourselves seated next to each other at dinner, and from the start, her energy was infectious. But the moment that is still etched in my brain? On National Hill, Karrie turned every elevator ride into a full-on photo op. “Elevator Selfies”- every single time, with every single person inside. Not once, not twice, but every ride. She wasn’t just present- she was a force. Vibrant, fearless, and unapologetically charismatic, Karrie doesn’t just enter a room; she ignites it. And in those moments, I could not help but admire, and maybe even envy, her ability to make every space her own.

A path forged in resilience and growth
Karrie’s story began with a leap of faith, leaving a career as a Senior Officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons to join Fred’s Towing & Transport Inc. in 2012. Back then, the company was modest: two locations, five employees, and a small fleet. But Karrie’s vision and determination transformed it into a powerhouse. Today, Fred’s Towing boasts five locations, twenty-two employees, and a comprehensive service portfolio that includes everything from light-duty to heavy-duty towing, equipment hauling, shop repair, and roadside assistance. Her resilience stems from undergoing open-heart surgery last year. Stepping back from the business might have been in her best interest at that time, but it was a tough adjustment to navigate. It was during this time that she learned the power of taking life one day at a time.

Breaking Barriers and Changing Perceptions
The towing industry has traditionally been male dominated, but Karrie never let that deter her. “I’ll be honest- my biggest challenge was my mouth,” Karrie admits with her signature boldness. “I’m a strong, dominant female, and in the beginning, the men didn’t know how to take me.” But Karrie’s no-nonsense approach and unrelenting drive earned her respect. She is not just seen; she is heard.

Setting the Standard for Women in Towing
Karrie believes the industry is evolving, with more women stepping into roles as owners, drivers, and mechanics. Her own journey serves as proof that women can excel in towing while raising the bar for everyone else. “I’ve been told I’m unapproachable, but once you know me, you’ve got a friend for life,” she says.

In 2023, her contributions were recognized on a national scale when she was named the WTRAA Tow Woman of the Year. “To be acknowledged by other women in the industry was like hearing, ‘We see you, we know what you’re doing, and we’re with you,’” Karrie says. It was a moment of validation for years of hard work and resilience.

Life Outside the Office
While Karrie’s professional life is a whirlwind, she is also deeply grounded in her personal life. She shares her downtime with her miniature animals, donkeys, pigs, bulls, cows, horses, and goats and treasures her escapes to the beach or on cruises where she can truly unplug. And yes, she always has a Sprite and white cheddar popcorn within reach for those “snacky snack” emergencies.

Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Karrie’s advice to women entering the industry is as bold as her personality: “You have two ears and one mouth for a reason- listen more than you talk. Sit at tables you think you don’t belong at because that’s where you learn and evolve.” Her mantra? Surround yourself with people who inspire your future, not your past.

Looking Ahead
While Karrie is laser-focused on the day-to-day challenges of running Fred’s Towing, she also has her eyes on the future. Her goal for the next five years? Growth and stability, both for her company and the industry in North Carolina. “With so much change, staying steady is the ultimate win,” she says.

Defining Success, One Day at a Time
For Karrie, success is not about awards or accolades. “The only competition I have is myself,” she says. “If I can be better than I was yesterday, learn something new, and do something meaningful, that’s success.” And in the ever-changing, fast-paced world of towing, Karrie O’Neal Fogg is proving every day that she is not just surviving- she is thriving.

The Ultimate “Make It Happen” Leader
Whether she is putting out fires, coordinating operations, or simply being the friend and mentor others need, Karrie embodies what it means to be a leader. She is unapologetically bold, fiercely determined, and unwaveringly committed to lifting others as she climbs. Her message to anyone watching? “Doubt me if you want but just watch me prove you wrong.”