In today’s rapidly shifting landscape, the need for unity in the towing industry has never been more critical. As opposing associations grow stronger and more organized, towers across the nation continue to face a challenge that hits closer to home: division within our own ranks.
The Power We Give Away
It is time we face a hard truth: while bills are being passed behind closed doors that directly impact on our livelihood and outside organizations use their numbers and influence to work against us, we are still busy disagreeing among ourselves. While other associations and interest groups continue to grow in size, strength, and strategy, we are still struggling to get on the same page. We are wasting valuable time, resources, and energy arguing over differences instead of focusing on what we have in common: a shared mission to protect, elevate, and sustain our industry.
More Than a Role – A Responsibility
As I speak with women across the towing community, I hear the same message repeatedly: we understand the need to come together, and we want unity. We are powerful forces within this industry- not just behind the desk or the wheel, but in boardrooms, at statehouses, and on association boards. Now is the time for us to lead by example and commit to something greater than ourselves. In the towing industry, many of us wear more than one hat. We are business owners, operators, dispatchers, managers, spouses, parents, mentors, and more. We stay up late figuring out payroll, we wake up early to chase a call, and we work tirelessly to serve our customers and support our teams. We do it because we care not just about our businesses, but about the people and the future of this industry!
Progress Over Perfection
Let’s be clear that not every issue is a personal issue. But if we do not address the challenges facing our industry now, they will become personal in the future. I will not pretend to have agreed with every position our associations have taken, state or local. That is the reality of any organization. But that never stopped me from being a member, getting involved, and working to shape the industry I care so deeply about. Because I believe in working toward a stronger future, even when it requires compromise. We do not create change by sitting on the sidelines; we create it by stepping into the arena. It is about protecting what we have built and creating something even stronger for the next generation. We all have a role to play. We already lead in so many ways on the road, in our businesses, in our communities. Now is the time to lead by example in our associations, too.
Too often, when faced with disagreement, we respond by blocking progress, breaking away, or starting something new. But splintering only weakens us. If we could not collaborate in one association, what makes us think we will suddenly cooperate better in another?
When we divide, everyone loses. Instead of one strong, unified, influential organization, we end up with smaller ones that duplicate efforts, dilute impact, and exhaust resources. We lose the momentum we have built. Attendance at industry events suffers, our collective voice weakens, and legislators take note not of our professionalism, but our inability to work together. That damages the credibility we have fought hard to earn.
The Road Ahead Awaits Us
I would like to take a moment to thank Cynthia Martineau for her years of service as our Executive Director of TRAA. Our national association has made great strides under her leadership, and we are stronger because of her dedication. That said, we still have a long road ahead. I am putting my support in our incoming Executive Director, Bruce Bender, to continue that momentum forward and to push us toward much-needed unity and effectiveness in our industry. Please consider joining TRAA, whether you agree with everything or not, and help us stand up for the future of our industry.
The Change Starts With Us
We can and must do better. And the women of this industry are uniquely positioned to lead the way. We have long worn many hats- owners, operators, advocates, mothers, managers, mentors. Now let’s add unifiers to that list. Let’s not just talk about change; let’s be the reason it happens.
It is time to walk the walk. To support our state and national associations. To find common ground. To show the world what towers can do together.
