Jodi Sprandel of Quality Towing & Equipment Moving
Some people enter the towing industry through a job opportunity. Others are born into it. For Jodi Sprandel, the towing industry grew alongside a love story that began more than four decades ago. As Secretary/Treasurer and Office Manager of Quality Towing & Equipment Moving in West Chester, Ohio, Jodi has spent 37 years helping build a company, support an industry, and strengthen the relationships that have made both possible.
Today, she and her husband Mike proudly celebrate two remarkable milestones: 40 years of marriage and nearly four decades of business ownership.
Building a Life Together
Jodi was just a senior in high school when she began dating Mike in 1984. Even then, towing was already part of his life. Mike had converted a pickup truck into a tow truck and spent his time helping family and friends. Whenever she could, Jodi rode along, simply enjoying time together while unknowingly getting her first glimpse into an industry that would become her life’s work. The couple married on May 10, 1986, and built a beautiful family together, raising two sons, John and James.
In 1989, Mike, his brother Eddie, and their parents, Ed and Ruth, officially launched what would become Quality Towing & Equipment Moving. At the time, Jodi worked full-time for a material handling company while assisting the family business during evenings and weekends by answering calls and helping with office operations. After fifteen years with her employer, Jodi made a life-changing decision. Encouraged by her father-in-law, she joined the family business full-time in 2000. “I gave my notice and left the job I had been at for 15 years,” she recalls. “I’ve been with the family business ever since.”
Today, after the retirement of Mike’s parents and brother, Jodi and Mike lead the company together with the support of dedicated employees, including Mike’s brothers Bill and Ron. Bill has been driving for the company for 32 years, while Ron has maintained the fleet for 29 years.
Growing Beyond Expectations
What began with a single 1970 Chevrolet C30 tow truck equipped with a Holmes 440 has evolved into a thriving operation. When the company started, Mike was the primary driver while his parents handled phones and paperwork. Today, Quality Towing & Equipment Moving operates seven rollbacks, one heavy-duty tow truck, twenty-five semi tractors, thirty-six equipment moving trailers, and employs thirty team members.
The growth reflects not only hard work but also a commitment to building a strong team and maintaining family values throughout the years. “We have built a business with the help of many great employees who are still working with us,” Jodi says proudly.
The Heart of the Operation
Although she has spent her career primarily in the office, Jodi’s responsibilities have expanded significantly over the years. A typical day may include handling accounts payable, collecting payments, paying vendors, answering phones, assisting with dispatching, supporting employees, writing the company newsletter, and planning employee appreciation events. Her role touches nearly every aspect of the business, ensuring operations continue running smoothly behind the scenes.
Yet for Jodi, success has never been measured by titles or responsibilities. Instead, it has always centered around relationships. One of the greatest lessons she has learned is the value of supporting others and building connections throughout the industry.” One of the best ways to support others in this industry is through recommendations, whether giving or receiving them,” she explains. “Over the years, we’ve built strong friendships with owners and employees from other companies, which has allowed us to share knowledge and work together.”
Giving Back to the Industry
Jodi’s commitment extends far beyond her own company. She and Mike began attending the Midwest Regional Tow Show when it was held at the Kings Island Inn in Mason, Ohio. They have continued attending ever since, becoming fixtures within Ohio’s towing community. As the event moved to Sandusky and grew, so did Jodi’s involvement. She volunteered at the shows and eventually served as a TRAO Region 8 Director, Region 8 Secretary, and Secretary of the Women’s Association. She also handled many behind-the-scenes responsibilities, including weekly trips to the post office, processing mail, logging checks, and making deposits for both TRAO and WTRAO.
Although health challenges during 2023 and 2024 required her to step back from some leadership positions, Jodi remains grateful for the friendships and opportunities that industry involvement has provided. “Volunteering and becoming involved in different aspects of the towing industry has blessed us with many friends,” she says. “Without getting involved, we would never have been able to meet individuals and other members of the towing community that we can call for help or they can call on us.”
Family First
Like many women in towing, Jodi understands the challenge of balancing work and family. The industry is demanding, unpredictable, and often all-consuming. Yet her advice remains simple and heartfelt. “Finding the right person to share your life with and supporting them as they support you, whether you are working together in it or not, and putting your family first.”
Her admiration belongs to the people who taught her those values. “My parents are my role models,” she says. “Though they have passed, they showed love and care, worked hard, treated others with kindness and respect, and always supported their children, spouses, grandchildren, family, and friends.” Those lessons continue to guide her both personally and professionally.
Looking Ahead
When she’s not working, Jodi enjoys spending time with family and friends. She and Mike love traveling and often take their camper on monthly adventures. Recently, the couple celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a memorable journey along Route 66, traveling from Chicago to Adrian, Texas, the halfway point of the historic route.
The experience left them eager for more. Their next goal? Completing the second half of Route 66 and continuing to create new memories together.
Advice for the Next Generation
For those entering the towing industry, Jodi emphasizes the importance of community. “Make friends within the towing community, join the memberships, listen, learn by interacting and asking questions, and take advantage of training.”
Her advice reflects the same philosophy that has helped her thrive throughout her career: success is rarely achieved alone.
Defining Success
When asked what defines a successful life, Jodi doesn’t mention revenue, equipment, or company size. Instead, her answer reflects the values that have guided her entire journey. “Knowing that our lives are fulfilled with a wonderful loving family and friends and have built a business with the help of many great employees who are still working with us.” After 37 years in towing, countless hours supporting the industry, and a lifetime spent helping others succeed, perhaps Jodi’s most meaningful reflection is also her simplest:
“A thought, a dream can become reality.”
For Jodi Sprandel, that reality is found not only in the business she helped build, but in the family, friendships, and community she helped create along the way.
