Who Will Train in 2028?

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I just realized that I keep bringing up future problems. In the past, I have talked about things that you’ve probably wondered about yourself. Things like, “Where are you going to find your drivers in the future?” Maybe, “Our gas prices keep going up.” Perhaps its equipment, “I can’t find trucks.” Or a customer problem, “Customers expect too much.”

I really feel our next problem will be finding trainers to train the drivers you can’t find. One of the associations in Texas, that has trained towers in Texas every 2 weeks, had a major accident and will be sidelined from not only training, but towing as well. This will hurt the towers of Texas because that trainer was a great trainer.

While in Alabama, I attended a training session. The instructor was the best in the towing industry. So, I was excited because I got to watch this instructor do his ‘thing’ for tow companies that showed up from all over the U.S.

During a break I went to the table of a few young towers and asked what they thought of the class. They paused a moment but said they did not understand half of what the instructor was saying. The class continued, and as I listened to this instructor, I realized the generation gap between the instructor and today’s tower was quite confusing.

There are a variety of training needs to meet the older and younger tower. The training between heavy duty and other means of towing are also different. You have different kinds of trucks that require different types of training. Technology manufactures new trucks that require different types of skills that today’s tower might not be able to adjust to easily.

Electric vehicles require different towing. There are video training programs which don’t include instructions, showing how to tow electric vehicles. Who is training the trainer on these new types of tows? This question is important because some owners of these small tow companies don’t understand what is needed for their drivers.

As new training courses are being developed the trainer must consider the following questions:

Will I have to travel?
What will it cost?
How long should the course be?
What materials should be taught?
What students will attend the class?
Who will pay for the class?

When I ran my company, we did private property only. However, it was hard to find an instructor who really knew towing business that could teach the class. I have not looked to see what is out there today, but there are many things to consider. As we worry about trainers, we must consider who the students might be. I’m not sure the old-time trainers have the patience to work with the new tower. I don’t want to offend the tower of today, but I talked to tow companies who told me the troubles they are having with their drivers. They’re concerned with things like:

Will they work shifts?
Will they be on call?
Will they travel to a class?
How much will they want to travel?
Do they really want to learn new techniques?

Let’s talk about the tow companies. Can they afford to lose a driver for a day and the money he could make? Can they afford to send drivers to classes because of the cost it takes to send a driver to training? If the educational materials are good and will teach drivers something new, then the tow company will send drivers. The instructor faces the problem of finding course materials that apply to today’s towing.

Trade shows offer training to an industry, but many times it might only apply to the things for that state. Some of the shows don’t work together for training. They want their trainers to train at their shows only, which hurts the industry. As an industry, we continue not to work with each other. Some tow companies don’t get along with other tow companies, and the industry media doesn’t get along, while some associations don’t like to work with other associations. When I owned my tow company, I was a member of the national association, and I went to them to get help with some testing materials they had for the industry. They told me they are offering it to the other association in the state and would not help me. Towers, until our industry starts working together, we will continue to face problems.

Here’s what training might look like in the future:

“On-the-job” training. As one tower is performing the tow, another tower will watch and learn. In this case, you must make sure the tower teaching is doing it right and teaches what you want the student tower to learn.
Powered personalized learning. A trainer will look at the student and identify strengths and weaknesses and create content to meet the learner’s needs. One size fit all does not work anymore.
Training will be set up like a game where you set up a point system, and reward points and competitive elements that motivate the student. This game approach will establish critical thinking, teamwork, and strategic planning.
The trainer will have to determine if the student is having trouble focusing or experiencing overload which will require adjustments to the class.
The material will be set up in small portions so the material can be consumed in short bursts. Training on wheels will allow classes to be held on demand in locations necessary.
The trainer will have to set up ways to identify if the students are learning anything.
Some training classes will be set up remotely for the trainer to teach material while a tow is taking place. Training classes can be simulated in an emergency environment where coordination and communications are key.

Editors Note!!

Dan mentioned future needs for this industry. So, let me share with our readers that you have the American Towing & Recovery Institute with Wes Wilburn. He does EV training and does lots of cross-training with Ron Moore, one of the most famous and well-known firefighters in the world. How about John Hawkins and the legendary, Tommy Luciano from Miller Industries? Don’t forget Shane Coleman from ERSCA. They also do EV training and have a train-the-trainer program. Remember, Wreck Master. And, how about Brian Riker, the D.O.T. Guy and his podcast?

Let us not forget the speaker/trainer world-wide for EV products, the one and only Daylan Zartman from Energy Security Agency. Also, from Jerr-dan created for Operators by Operators, we have Jerr-Dan on our podcast. Always great training. We just named a few of the best that will take this industry into the future.

Remembering Towers Who Gave Their Lives For The Industry

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Losing someone can be unnerving to any family member that you love. Moreover, losing them to a senseless accident makes a person rethink what happened. And “what-ifs” emerge as if the accident could somehow have been stopped. Within our industry alone, we have had so many good people that were lost due to the dangerous job we do for the public. Sometimes the public realizes their responsibility but sometimes they don’t. I would like to take this opportunity to talk about several people that we’ve lost over the years. That was our intention at the recent, 2024 Midwest Regional Tow Show, to mention our industry loss. At this convention, the Thursday night event was an evening of remembrance for those that attended the Family Towing Affair in the Celebration of Life/Slow Down Move Over Awareness Event. My car was the 5^th or 6^th vehicle in line for the parade of trucks, vans and cars that participated in this event. The parade came together at the front of Robert’s Center in Willington, Ohio and probably took the parade management over 6 1/2 minutes to get all of us, over 50 tow trucks with flashing lights, from the parking lot into line at a nearby street.

As was planned, we drove a few miles down into the neighboring town and came back to the show via another route. After the parade finished, we joined together for a wonderful, scrumptious pig roast which was sponsored by INA Towing Network. The group enjoyed all the fixings until we couldn’t eat anymore. The atmosphere was like a large family, sitting down together. The pictures will show you some folks decorated their tow trucks with lights flashing. Others, like mine, sported banners and signs of towers who were killed. Everyone who saw the parade either moved over or stopped in their lane as if it was a real funeral procession. Those driving vehicles or on the sidewalk observed vehicles in the parade with solemn respect and their respect was greatly appreciated.

On my car, I represented Bobby Unruh, Linda Unruh’s only son who was killed. Bobby was only 38 years old when he was hit by the driver of a loaded tractor-trailer. The driver of the trailer hit Bobby without slowing down and caused his truck to travel 300 feet before he began to stop. Due to the force of that tractor-trailer’s impact, Bobby was instantly killed. It was my honor to be a part of this celebration of life in honor of Bobby Unruh who left behind a daughter and two sons.

On the next day of the show, we did our Candlelight Vigil where at the end of the Trade Show the floor closed and all of us gathered in the lobby of the exhibit area. Matt Spencer and I spoke to the group, honoring the 2024 Wall of the Fallen. Matt’s son, Keagan Spencer was killed this past year. Matt detailed with tears in his eyes about what happened to his son. It showed me and others just how fragile life really is. Last month, on the front cover of this publication, names were listed of those lost who are being remembered this year. In fact, the loss reached my city as well when Frank Ingram, a neighbor of mine from Georgia was killed less than 5 miles from my home. It was a very sad situation and a tragedy that could have been avoided.

Getting back to Matt Spencer, here’s some background information on what he revealed about his son. Matt told those gathered, “Keagan was a third-generation tower and Keagan was in a tow truck from the moment he was born.” Unfortunately, Keagan was only 25 years old when he was killed. Shortly after Keagan was killed, we had Matt on a podcast to help promote the Slow Down Move Over Law. You might remember that Keagan had his one and half year-old daughter, Nona that fateful afternoon in the cab of his truck with her packed diaper bag full of bottles and everything a child could need. Keagan had parked his truck off the side of the road and was trying to help a dog that was running down the highway. Without notice, poor Keagan was struck and killed by a distracted driver.

After Matt Spencer finished speaking, I challenged everyone that these great people should not have died in vain. Bobby Unruh died on May 11th, 2017. Unfortunately, the New Mexico State Police did not issue a citation to the driver of the tractor trailer that killed Bobby. However, due to the tenacity of Linda Unruh getting the Governor of New Mexico to sign the bill, Bobby’s Law was created in the State of New Mexico. Linda, I know it must have been hard to endure such a loss but thank you for leading the charge for Bobby’s Law.

Life is fleeting, and at a moment notice, someone we love, and respect can be gone from this world. Let’s remember those towers that have given their lives for this industry. We can do this in each of our states by changing or adding laws that will protect all towers who just want to return home at the end of the day.

See you on the next podcast.

Importance of the Right Tools and Knowledge!

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No doubt, all of us know the importance of having handy the right tools and knowing how to use them correctly. Together, it can mean a job completed well, without any loss of equipment, property or life. Such was the case on July 6^th, 2024, at Hurst Towing.

The team at Hurst Towing received a call about a rolled over machine. Dispatch contacted Daniel, and he headed to the site immediately. When he arrived on scene, the machine was going downhill in the customer’s backyard. The machine was a Mini Derick Digger on Tracks (drill rig). Daniel located the weight plate, stating the machine was 25,000 pounds. He set his truck up and went to work on rigging and running lines.

Daniel came off the side pull with 3 lines to the load. Then, came off the side (using his Baileys towing supplies state pocket side puller) with the bed winch 2 lines to the load and dead manning back to the side puller. He used 3/8 G-100 chain, 8 1/2-ton screw pin shackles, 1 master link, 36’ 4” flat strap doubled up with his wreck master buckle and 5 snatch blocks (4-ton). He was able to upright the machine without moving or damaging the customers brand new fence post.

The day ended well for Daniel. It’s important to know that Daniel had no problem assessing what needed to be done because he already had the right tools and knowledge of their use to complete the job with confidence. You’ll be glad to know that the new fence post wasn’t harmed.

A Belief in Commitment

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By Mike Porter, President TDR Way

Jeffery Godwin, a name synonymous with dedication and passion for the towing industry, believes in commitment to his family, his friends and the industry he loves. Through tireless efforts, natural creativity, the ability to plan for the future and a lot of sleepless nights, he has not only helped shape the industry but is also leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Since 2005, Godwin has spent countless hours working on and leading his true industry passion, the Survivor Fund, showcasing his deep-rooted compassion and empathy for those in the towing community facing hardships. His relentless pursuit of supporting and uplifting others in times of need has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers. And his dream of one day celebrating a year with no roadside towing operator fatalities remains a driving force in all that he does for towing and recovery.

For the past twenty years, Godwin has shared his wisdom and leadership talents with many industry organizations:

As the 1st Vice President of the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum since 2017, Godwin has played a pivotal role in preserving the rich history and heritage of the towing industry.
From 2011 to 2016, Godwin served as the TRAA Associate Member Representative to the Board, where he effectively represented the interests of towing professionals and advocated for their rights and welfare. His strategic insights and collaborative approach have helped shape policies and initiatives that benefit the entire towing industry.
His involvement as the Co-Chair of the Wall of the Fallen Committee since 2005 further underscores his deep sense of duty towards honoring the sacrifices of towing professionals who have lost their lives in the line of service to the motoring public. His unwavering commitment to preserving their memory and legacy is a testament to his profound respect for those who have dedicated their lives to serving others.
As a pioneer in the towing industry, Godwin has made significant contributions to its advancement and growth. He played a role in the early development of TOPS software which has since revolutionized the way towing companies manage their operations, streamlining processes and increasing efficiency. Godwin was also heavily involved in the development of the earliest digital dispatching. More than 25 years ago, he began connecting those who needed service with those that could perform the work.
Moreover, Godwin co-founded the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame Museum Survivor Fund in 2005, evidence of his unwavering dedication to supporting the families of towing professionals in times of need. The fund’s ongoing growth and increasing payouts to eligible families is a tribute to Godwin’s ability to effectively share his views on the importance of the towing and recovery industry caring for their own.

In addition to his numerous accomplishments, Godwin co-founded FTI Groups Inc, the parent company of towPartners, a resource discount purchasing program that has saved towing companies over $50 million. His innovative approach to business and his commitment to helping towing companies thrive have made a significant impact on the industry.

Jeffery Godwin’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide future generations, leaving an indelible mark on the industry for years to come.

The Importance of the Towing Hall of Fame

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By Mike Porter, President TDR Way

In Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the base of Lookout Mountain, is the International Towing and Recovery Museum. Part of the museum recognizes and honors the men and women who have been inducted into the Towing Hall of Fame.

The first class, inducted in 1986, consisted of 27 members from six countries: Australia, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States. Industry professionals came together and selected individuals who made a difference worldwide.

Being inducted into the Towing Hall of Fame is a prestigious honor that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the towing industry. Inductees are celebrated for their dedication, innovation, leadership, and positive impact on the industry and the community. This recognition serves as a testament to their hard work and commitment to advancing the towing profession.

Inductees have been honored for a variety of reasons, all of which reflect their outstanding achievements and influence within the towing industry. These reasons can be broadly categorized into three main criteria:

Industry Innovation: Inductees are recognized for demonstrating innovation through a product or service that has had a transformative impact on the industry. By introducing new technologies, processes, or solutions that enhance efficiency and safety, they have propelled the towing industry forward into the next century. Their contributions have not only improved the operations of towing companies but have also raised the standards for the entire industry.
Exemplary Leadership: Another key criterion for induction into the Towing Hall of Fame is exemplary leadership within a tow company. Inductees must have led a towing business for a minimum of 20 years, demonstrating exceptional management skills, integrity, and a commitment to promoting a positive image of the towing industry. Their ability to build strong relationships with their employees, customers, and the community at large sets them apart as role models for others in the industry.
Impactful Projects: Inductees are also recognized for their involvement in significant projects that have had a lasting and dynamic effect on the towing industry. Whether through pioneering new techniques, advocating for industry-wide improvements, or leading initiatives that benefit the community, these individuals have made a tangible difference in shaping the future of towing. Their visionary approach and collaborative efforts have helped drive positive change and progress within the industry.

Overall, being inducted into the Towing Hall of Fame is a mark of distinction that celebrates the achievements and contributions of exceptional individuals in the towing profession. It signifies a legacy of excellence, dedication, and service that has left a lasting imprint on the industry and inspired others to follow in their footsteps. As a beacon of honor and recognition, the Towing Hall of Fame serves as a tribute to those who have made a meaningful impact and helped shape the towing industry into what it is today.

The 2024 honorees are, in alphabetical order:

William Clayton of Nambour, Queensland, Australia
Francis D. Coady of Seabrook, NH
Jean Georges, Menil-aux-Bois, France
Jeffrey Godwin of Longview, TX
Kevin Goodyear, Enterprise, AL
Joseph R. Haines, Jr., of Columbus, NJ
Walter R. Mayer, Brookhaven, GA
William G. Miller II, Ooltewah, TN
Jack Wendell Richards (posthumous), Alberta, Canada

Why Efficiency Matters in the Towing Industry

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By TRAXERO

When it comes to efficiency in the towing industry, small changes can equal big results. With fierce competition, tow prices lower than ever, and inflation at a 30-year high, now, more than ever, small improvements can make massive differences.

But efficiency isn’t just about being fast—it’s about being smart. The ability to swiftly adapt and respond can significantly differentiate your towing business in a crowded market.

You might be thinking, “What’s the big deal about shaving off a few seconds here and there?” In this industry, those few seconds add up. A faster response time can mean securing a contract over a competitor. A quicker hook-up can mean fitting in an extra tow per day. And an efficient dispatch system can lead to smoother operations and happier customers. Even the speed in which we answer the phone can make a long-term difference to the success of our towing operations.

Each incremental change might seem minor on its own, but when combined, they can lead to significant gains in productivity and profitability. In the book Atomic Habits, author James Clear said, “…if you can get 1% better each day for one year, you’ll end up 37 times better by the time you’re done.”

While every towing operation is unique, there are common areas where small changes can make a big impact:

Dispatch – explore the efficiency of communication between dispatchers and operators and identify areas that can be improved and provide your customers with an enhanced experience.

Equipment – ensure your equipment is in good condition and able to service the needs of your customers and not putting your operators at risk with issues on the roadside.

Processes – review your current processes and identify pain points to implement solutions to ease bottlenecks and simplify your workflow.

The key is to not wait to start. Today, you can begin to make small changes, gather fresh perspectives, and watch those little wins accumulate into something much bigger. Be sure to track your progress to see what is working and what needs further adjustment to improve.

Remember, every little bit counts!

Zips

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Zip’s Towbar Adapter for Chevron AutoGrip II

Own a light-duty wrecker or car carrier with a Chevron AutoGrip II autoloader? If so, here’s another option from Zip’s to tow pickups, box trucks or other vehicles with steel or reinforced bumpers. With the retractable L-arms in the folded position, this towbar adapter bolts onto the crossbar and allows the wheel lift to operate as a chain sling. The rubber inserts cushion any contact with the vehicle to avoid unnecessary damage to the casualty during the hook-up process. This adapter can be used on front or rear tows. Sold individually or in pairs. Order Item # ZAW-TACA at Zips.com.

Zip’s Chevron 408 Fork Receiver Kit

More fork positions with Chevron 408 adapter from Zip’s.

Increase the versatility of your Miller Chevron 408 Auto Grip II autoloader with this set of bolt-on Fork Receivers from Zip’s. Featuring a capacity of 4,000 lbs. as a set, this pair of welded steel adapters offers three fork positions, which allows the tow operator to set forks where needed. By improving the functionality of the wrecker, a tow company is able to handle a larger variety of calls, thereby increasing profits and seeing a return on their investment. Order Item # ZP-202390K at Zips.com.

SafeAll Proportional Remote Control

Control car carrier functions with a twist of the wrist.

The Proportional Remote Control from SafeAll is a great way to control your car carrier functions from a safe distance with a simple twist of the wrist. This state-of-the-art technology prevents the car from surging during the loading process, eliminating unnecessary property damage and reducing the risk for personal injury. With a signal range of 300 feet, this remote can be safely operated from inside the cab or away from the shoulder of the road. Stay out of harm’s way with this intuitive technology from SafeAll and Zip’s AW Direct. Order Item # SA-RCS at Zips.com.

Problems Need Addressed – Tow Companies vs. Motor Clubs

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When I sold my business, I wanted to stay in the industry. So, I started to hold seminars at tow shows. As I would talk to tow companies, the consensus was they were having issues with motor clubs with things like:

Low pay for tows
Short pays
No pays
Long time to get paid

In my business, I never ran club calls so I could not feel their pain. I wondered why they continued to run these calls even though they had all these problems. Tow companies were offered volumes by the clubs, and they thought that would offset the issues. Therefore, I needed to address these issues and see if there was something that I could do. After talking to some of the motor clubs to hear their side of the story, I learned that motor clubs were formed to protect the consumer from tow companies that were charging too much for their services. If I needed to be the middleman, then so be it. That way, the tow company did not have to deal with the motor club, and the motor club did not have to deal with the tow company.

That’s when I started TowTrax. It was fair to the tow company because when a tow company gets a tow from TowTrax it provided the following:

A fair price for their tow
They would get paid within a week of their tow.
It was usually within 10 to 15 miles.
For some companies, it gave tows that they never had.

I had to make sure it helped the motor club as well. For them, it provided the following:

Was not being over charged by the tow company.
They did not have to talk with the tow companies.
T.A. under 35 minutes
Their customer did not have to wait a long time for the truck.

I realized this also addressed the problem that the consumer was having, and the customer was provided the following:

They did not have to stand on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck.
They felt safer because they could see the tow truck coming towards them.
The consumer was being serviced by a professional.

TowTrax has been a very successful company, and we continue to grow while our revenues keep doubling every year as we continue to grow. TowTrax is now giving you the opportunity to be a part of our success by becoming a partner and investing in TowTrax. If you are interested give me a call.

Tow Companies vs. Insurance.

I addressed one issue, it’s now time to see what I can do about the next issue tow companies will be facing. When speaking with the tow companies, lots of them felt the next problem to face will be insurance for their company. Some of the issues they face are:

Insurance companies are no longer offering insurance for the towing industry.
The companies that stay are raising their prices.
They dispute claims presented by tow companies.
The tow companies’ insurance goes up every year.
Requirements are to strict.

I decided to investigate. Therefore, I started an insurance company that would support only the tow industry. It would be set up like USAA where they offer insurance only to the military. After surveying lots of tow companies, 85% of them said that they would switch insurance companies and were interested in helping to start it.

My thoughts were, if we had our own industry insurance company, we could provide the following:

We could establish fair rates.
If you had minimal claims, your insurance would go down.
We could identify the types of claims we were getting and set up training to avoid those claims in the future.
We could establish other training as needed for the industry.
You would never worry about being canceled because of a claim, no matter the size of the claim.
We could pay each state association, $50,000 annually

I asked 50 random tow companies what they paid annually and what claims were filed. They paid over 4 million and filed less than $350,000 in claims. I found that to be outrageous. It made me realize that insurance companies were making a ton of money. I figured if we had our own insurance company, we could put money back into the industry. We could help each state association, the Wall of the Fallen, the Towing Hall of Fame, and provide education as needed.

I have done lots of research about selling insurance in a state. It costs a minimum of $2 million; some states were 3 million, and Texas requires a million. I looked at requirements of 35 states, and these were the numbers. I cannot start an insurance company unless we have at least 10 million in the bank. I would hire insurance experts in the industry to be a part of this and add full-time legal staff to fight the law suits we are constantly experiencing.

I would be happy to start this if I had some help from the industry. As a part of the company, you would have ownership, with no liability to worry about at all. Give it some thought and call me at 469-774-0340.

The last item I’m working on is to provide a way for you to purchase things you need for your company when money is short. TowTrax being supported by Stranded is now offering a credit card that is interest free for the first 6 months with flexible dollar amounts. It would be limited right now to certain stores, but we plan on growing its usage.

Tow companies are always facing new challenges when running their company. We are here working to make your life better.

Do You Have a Van?

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There’s no doubt that you know where you were on September 11th, 2001. Those attacks on our country affected many people. I personally know someone who lost a person in the twin towers and can remember the sign that my wife added to her car which read, “United We Stand.” Those who died or were injured that day will be remembered for their sacrifice.

You probably know that on 9/11 Frank Sillers also lost his brother who was a New York City Firefighter that entered the Twin Towers but never returned. In his brother’s memory, Frank created Tunnel to Towers Foundation to help families of someone who died that day. Later, Tunnel to Towers started taking care of first responders which includes military, law enforcement and firefighters.

Recently, I attended a friend’s memorial service and spoke with some friends. Our discussion was about Frank Siller’s Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Each one of those friends told me if I contacted them to see how they could help, then they would be all in. That was music to my ears because the rest is history. Here are the details as we discussed that day.

This past month, Tunnel to Towers Foundation unveiled plans for their newest Veteran’s Village located in Memphis, Tennessee. Their foundation has plans to eradicate veteran homelessness. As I explain the details, I hope I have your heart too.

Tunnel to Towers has purchased the shattered hotel on Riverdale Bend in Memphis and will transform it into housing for America’s veterans. Tunnel to Towers will renovate every dorm room, install new flooring, add furniture, fixtures and appliances which will make each room an independent living space for America’s veterans. The Memphis Veterans Village is scheduled to be completed in 2025 and will provide housing for over 100 formerly homeless veterans.

The Veterans Village is much more than just housing. The first floor will offer on-site comprehensive support services for residents, including job training, benefits assistance, education assistance, medical care access, mental health support, PTSD counseling, and addiction treatment. So, they will offer more than housing.

In 2023, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation launched its homeless veteran program with a very ambitious mission of eradicating veteran homelessness nationwide. As of the writing of this article, T to T has provided housing assistance and services to more than 5,000 veterans. It’s a huge undertaking, but here’s the plan.

There are currently Veteran’s Villages opening in Houston, Texas; Riverside, California; West Los Angeles, California; and Phoenix, Arizona. They’re moving forward because they have broken ground on the next two locations in Bradenton, Florida and Mableton, Georgia about an hour’s drive from me.

Before the end of this year, Tunnel to Towers will start additional Veterans Villages in Denver, Colorado; Charleston, South Carolina; Buffalo, New York and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania because new locations keep coming for these deserving veterans. With locations being added across this country, here’s how you can help. Darian Weaver, President and Publisher of this magazine listened to my concerns and promised to join my committee. Tow Professional Magazine and the podcast will help me and lead with the towing industry’s assistance.

I contacted T to T and asked what we can do to assist with this tremendous need to help our homeless veterans. They could use vans to take the residents to doctor appointments, and special events during the year or maybe a weekly trip to Walmart for toiletries. See where I’m going with this request? If you can help in any way, I want you to have my contact information. My cell number is 770-301-4122 and my email address is dj@djsays.com.

As you can see, they could use our help to find a small shuttle bus, and we can clean it up, add a wheelchair ramp, and it would be from all of us in the towing business. Those of you reading this article care about homeless veterans in this great country. However, my sphere of influence doesn’t go far enough.

So, I am looking for people to join my committee to help with this project. We need vans, used wheels, maybe an engine or transmission now and then. You might have these things in your yard. We will need wheelchair ramps and someone who could install the wheelchair ramp into a van that was donated. What I really need are people that have heard the call and are willing to help. Donate a van or just sign up to give $11 a month to Tunnel to Towers. To donate, go online to T2T.org. It is very simple to do. Or make one call, that’s all!

Please let me know if you know someone with a van or want to help me put this program together. Nothing would please me more than to donate 2 vans to Tunnel to Towers for homeless veterans. With your help, I know we can do this.

Thank you in advance for hearing my request and acting upon it.

See you on the next podcast.

Empowered and Driven: Women Leading the Way in Towing

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How lucky am I to be sharing my lessons, experiences, and wins with all of you in every publication? Well, that is at least until Darian gets tired of me! I have to say, writing these articles has been one of the most exhilarating adventures of my professional life. This opportunity is not taken for granted and I certainly look forward to what is to come. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me about the articles that I have published. Your support means the world to me!

As this article goes to print, I am shifting my focus a bit as we head into the last quarter of the year and plan for the next year. Brace yourselves because I will be shining a spotlight on the incredible women in our industry. Yes, the GOATs of towing—the ROCKSTARS who make things happen every day. I will be interviewing the trailblazers, the game-changers, and the women who are making a difference both inside and outside of the industry. We are lucky to have so many amazing women in the towing industry! Not only do they tow, oversee office work, or manage safety positions in their companies, but they also volunteer their time for community projects, donate to industry-related causes, and lead various clubs. Some of these incredible women even dispatch from home while homeschooling their children. The list of their incredible talents and contributions goes on! Why limit it to just towing, right???

Guess what that means? I need your help! Unless you like me babbling on, then hey, I got you!! If you know a phenomenal woman who deserves to be recognized, send me an email! I have already received a few nominations and have been working on those edits. Let’s highlight these women to encourage and inspire those who are just taking their first steps in this industry.

Ladies, it is time to promote yourselves! Don’t be afraid to toot your own horn. It is high time that we celebrate our accomplishments and show the world from which we are made. I am looking for you! I am looking for your mentor! I am looking for anyone who has made a difference in your community. We are more than just women in towing. We are mentors, leaders, and community changers. Our impact goes beyond industry, and it is time to celebrate all the ways we contribute to making the world a better place. Writing and sharing these stories is an honor, and I cannot wait to see the incredible nominations from you.

So, to all the amazing women of towing—keep rocking. Keep inspiring and keep being the extraordinary individuals you are. And, to my readers, thank you for being part of this journey with me. Stay tuned for some seriously empowering stories in the upcoming issues.

Tow Professional Quarterly – Q2 2024

Agero to Launch 4th Annual Summer Hustle Program for Service Providers, Recognizing Exceptional Customer Service During High Volume Summer Months

BLP MEDIA

MEDFORD, Mass. – June 18, 2024 – Agero, the motor club providing powerful and user-friendly software and support for roadside assistance service providers, announced the launch of its Summer Hustle ‘24 program, “The Performance Series.” Now in its fourth year, Summer Hustle celebrates the dedication and hard work of service providers from across the country. Their efforts play a crucial role in helping Agero deliver high-quality, reliable tow and road services for its over 100 client programs, ensuring the greatest possible satisfaction for its customers.

The Summer Hustle program takes place over the summer months, during which increased road travel results in higher than normal service request volume. It presents an opportunity to acknowledge and incentivize service providers who continually go above and beyond in offering leading assistance services to drivers in their time of need. With a selection process heavily focused on quality and strict performance metrics focused on service compliance, Summer Hustle ‘24 aims to reward the highest-performing providers to date.

Summer Hustle ‘24 will operate for ten weeks from Sunday, June 30, through Saturday, Sept. 7. The program will award a total of $30,800 in monetary prizes, plus additional Summer Hustle swag, to 14 winners each week, based on weekly performance measurements. Agero will distribute $200 per winner per week, with special prizes of $300 during the Independence Day and Labor Day holiday weeks.

New this year, Agero will also award weekly bonus prizes to the East and West regional providers with the highest “Photo Capture” percentage, or the number of completed jobs verified with pictures, per Agero’s photo guidance. Photos not only help service providers verify service completion, but also bring significant benefits that include accelerating damage resolutions for customers and providers, clarifying confusion over damage liability, preventing false or fraudulent customer claims, and more.

Agero will spotlight the top performers via email every Friday, starting July 12. Summer Hustle ‘24 is open to all contracted tow and roadside assistance service providers. Contestants must be located and operate in the United States and District of Columbia and remain in good standing with Agero per contractual obligations in order to be eligible. Agero provides industry-leading technology, training, and support to towing and roadside service providers, empowering them to deliver outstanding customer service and grow their businesses. For more information on Agero Summer Hustle ‘24, including rules and eligibility, visit: https://info.agero.com/agero-summer-hustle

About Agero
Wherever drivers go, we’re leading the way. Agero’s mission is to reimagine the vehicle ownership experience through a powerful combination of passionate people and data-driven technology, strengthening our clients’ relationships with their customers. As the #1 B2B, white-label provider of digital driver assistance services, we’re pushing the industry in a new direction, taking manual processes, and redefining them as digital, transparent, and connected. This includes: an industry-leading dispatch management platform powered by Swoop; configurable, white-label roadside assistance; comprehensive accident management services; and a growing marketplace of services, discounts and support enabled by a robust partner ecosystem.

The company has over 150 million vehicle coverage points in partnership with leading automobile manufacturers, insurance carriers and many others. Managing one of the largest national networks of independent service providers, Agero responds to approximately 12 million service events annually. Agero, a member company of The Cross Country Group, is headquartered in Medford, Mass., with operations throughout North America. To learn more, visit www.agero.com.

Chris Davis | Program Associate
Voxus PR
cdavis@voxuspr.com

See You on the Next Podcast

BLP MEDIA

Like clockwork every month I have authored an article in this magazine and without fail finish with this line, “See you on the next podcast.” For some who do not know, this publication has a great podcast, and I am proud to be a part of it as your Co-Host on the Tow Professional’s, “On-the-Go podcast.

We are living in a content-driven world. If you have a smartphone, tablet, or computer, you can access our podcast without much effort. Your phone or tablet has an active podcasting app built right in, but if does not, it is a few clicks to add our podcast.

With a computer, you can type the word PODCAST into Google access, and the first few results will give you several choices. The good thing is most podcasts are free.

If you want to up your towing game, you should listen to our Tow Professional podcast. Why, you ask. Lots of our listeners are multitasking while driving, cleaning, or working at the office and other regulars listen while they are working out.

Since our podcasts are always archived, they can be heard anytime, day or night. We feature industry experts like: Brian Ricker explaining safety and compliance, the great Tom Luciano and Bill Johnson, President of TRAA, gave a wonderful update of our industry. We have also had a guest attorney, Kelsey Eckert, discuss downtime claims and how to protect your bottom line. Matt Boileau from Parking Pass was a guest too, and here is one all of us need to hear and obviously repeat…Michelle Sukow, a former Tow Woman of the Year. Now, that was a fantastic podcast which everyone could learn from Michelle.

One of the most listened to podcasts was Richard GUTTMAN, from Jerr-Dan. I am happy to report that Richard is a product specialist who works with Jerr-Dan. That podcast was informative and also archived.

And of course, we had to have my friends from Auto-Data Direct on the podcast. This is a great company. Frank Toms and Matt Harvey did a stellar job explaining all the ends and outs of Auto-Data Direct. Their founder, Jim Taylor, is a first-class human being who stands for the flag and kneels at the foot of the cross. He is a great guy.

Speaking of great guys, how about Dalan Zartman, from Energy Security Agencies. There are so many great guests on our podcast every week, and you can hear Perry Beatty, Karrie Fogs from the North Carolina Two Show or my dear friend, Wes Wilburn, Founder of American Towing and Recovering Institute. Wes also has a great podcast, but he came on our podcast and did an excellent job for our listeners. It is one of the most listened to podcasts, along with our friend, Bruce Zinder, from the Midwest Regional Tow Show, the most family-friendly show of the year.

Folks, our podcasts are stacking up, and there are almost one hundred podcasts for you to listen to right now. They are all extremely good, and some of course are even better. My favorite was Griffen and Griffen, a tow company from Columbus, Georgia. Next was Jim Shellhaas’s Innovative Approach to Parking Management. That was an informative podcast.

I know each of you have a favorite podcast. Some will tell me it is Dan Messina. Let me know which one you really like and particularly if you are an association. Also, please let Darian Weaver, the real host of the show, know which podcast you prefer. Darian is also the President and Publisher of this publication.

Please let us know news about your state association that needs broadcasting, things like upcoming shows or key information about this wonderful industry. We would be incredibly happy to address it on the next podcast as well.

This podcast has grown because so many of you have told your friends about what is happening on this podcast. You can catch us on Spotify, iTunes, Pandora, Stitcher, iHeart Media, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts.

I started this article by saying that I am so proud of being the Co-host of the show. I love it when people at the Florida Tow Show stop me and say that they love the podcast, and that Darian and I do an excellent job. Importantly, most people listen because it is family friendly. You can listen to it in your car even with your children listening because there is no cussing, and we do end each podcast with a short prayer for our readers, listeners, vendors and for everyone working the white line.

I love this podcast and know you will too. Tell your friends about this informative podcast. As always, I will see you on the next podcast.

Future Drivers

BLP MEDIA

I remember when I got into towing I knew nothing about the towing industry. Our business was private property towing, which again, I knew nothing about. I had 5 trucks and 8 drivers and I watched them daily fight over trucks. My trucks were old so they all wanted the trucks that would run. I actually had drivers that would sabotage the trucks so they knew when they started their shift they knew they had a truck to get into.

Then I had dispatchers that were getting gifts from drivers in exchange for call in tows. At this point I was wondering what I got myself into. My experience in management I learned to form my own opinion and evaluate people based on my experience with them and don’t believe everything you were told.

I was running this company 30 years ago, so the driver of today is different. The first thing I wanted to do is learn as much as possible about my employees. I have always preached that your employees are your biggest asset, and I wanted nothing but the best. Knowing your employees would be a key to building a successful business. I asked each employee to fill out a questioner about the following based on a scale of one to ten with ten being good:

How do you rate your job performance?
How do you rate your job knowledge?
How do you rate your attitude?
How do you rate the moral of the company?
How do you rate management?

Here is what I learned from their answers:

If they had a attitude about the questions, I could correct it without making it an issue.
I could see if I had a management problem.
They all thought their performance was outstanding.
They all thought they knew everything needed to perform the job.
I learned about the moral of the company and what I had to do to make it better.

In today’s world I would not even be allowed to ask your employees these types of questions. I talked to tower in Minnesota who told me his drivers come in when they want and go home when they want. One driver has purple hair and it hard to put someone like that in front of their customers. They expect breaks and salary increases in a timely manner. With employees like this it is hard to successfully run the company.

When I first got into towing I learned quickly that all towers have tattoos. I don’t have a problem with them, but I knew what I wanted my employees to look like. I would go to Sam’s or Home Depot and find some one I thought would fit into my company. I’d approach them and offer them an opportunity for a exciting career. These people went through a screening process that I would not have to do. I could offer them a salary increase, and their appearance was good enough to put them in front of my customers. I screened 5, 2 of them were hired. I trained them way I wanted them to tow and they turned out to be good employees.

Once I had the staff I had to figure out how to keep them. They knew they were constantly under review, so they worked hard to do their best. Here are a few incentives I offered to keep them happy:

Raises – You can always make someone happy with money.
Bonuses – extra money if they tow a required number of cars.
Truck Preference – Drivers love their trucks. If they were exceptional, I would let them pick out their own truck and buy it for them.
I offered schedule preferences
Extra equipment like tools, chains, or go-jacks.
Time off, I encouraged them to spend time with their families.
Lunch, movie tickets, and envelope pulls. I had 35 employees, and I would put 50 envelopes on the wall. Each envelope had money in it. All employees drew an envelope, so they all got something.
Training and certification testing
Acknowledgement in from of all their peers.

Finally, a good old pat on the back to let them know you acknowledge their performance.

Finding employees in todays world is difficult. You have to be politicly correct about everything.

Run classified ads in newspapers if you can find a newspaper
Job fairs – This is unorthodox for the towing industry
Recruiting agencies – This could cost money
Networking – You can’t network because that person is looking for
Social media, or websites. Again, this cost money and its hard for owners to use these methods.
Mobil apps can be helpful if you know how to find the right app.
Employee referrals always works, but drivers will not recommend anyone better than them.

Find drivers for the next ten years will be hard. There will be no family members to leave your company to. Employees of the future are always on the phone and are not used to the steps required to a car, or hand equipment necessary to perform a tow. I run two companies and I always have trouble finding good employees. They want maximum dollars, they want to work from home, and they want to work their hours.

I would love to open up a trade school for blue collar workers and teach them the towing industry. We have many good programs out there that could be used to teach future drivers, and plenty of experienced drivers that could teach hands-on when required. Associations could get together and set up a nice program they benefits all tow companies. Go to the national association and ask them to get involved.

Idle Time No More: Understanding and Mitigating Procrastination in Towing

BLP MEDIA

Procrastination is a challenge faced by professionals in every industry, and towing is no exception. I am the absolute worst procrastinator when it comes to many things (just ask my publishing editor). It’s like I’ve got a PhD in putting certain things off until later. I cannot stand it when others procrastinate, but somehow, when it’s me, I just turn a blind eye and pretend it’s not happening. Hypocrisy at its finest, right? Sorry, Darian. This article is about digging deeper into why procrastination is so pervasive in the towing industry, what factors create a perfect storm for procrastination to thrive, and how we can navigate the road ahead to remove that obstacle.

Why is procrastination so particularly rampant in the towing industry? It is due to the high-pressure, unpredictable nature of the work. Towing professionals often face irregular hours, unexpected emergency calls, dealing with the thin white line, and the constant need to be on alert, which can lead to feelings of overwhelm and stress. I guess I didn’t really rock your world with that info, did I? This environment makes it easy to delay tasks that do not seem immediately critical, especially when the urgent demands of the job are ever-present. Additionally, the lack of structured schedules and clear priorities can contribute to disorganization, making it challenging to stay on top of administrative tasks, maintenance, and other essential duties. Any light bulbs going off yet? The fear of making mistakes under pressure can also cause individuals to put off tasks, further exacerbating the cycle of procrastination. Does any of this sound familiar?? In the fast-paced, unpredictable world of towing, procrastination can have significant consequences, affecting everything from customer satisfaction to operational efficiency. Understanding the roots of procrastination and implementing strategies to combat it can lead to better performance and a more successful towing business.

The Impact of Procrastination in Towing

Customer Dissatisfaction

Delays in responding to towing requests can result in unhappy customers, negative reviews, and loss of Prompt and reliable service is crucial in this industry, where customers often find themselves in stressful situations.

2. Operational Inefficiency

Procrastination can lead to missed opportunities, disorganized schedules, and inefficient use of resources. When tasks are delayed, the ripple effect can disrupt the entire workflow, causing bottlenecks and reducing overall productivity.

3. Employee Morale

A culture of procrastination can negatively impact employee morale. When team members consistently delay tasks, it creates a stressful environment, increases workloads, and can lead to burnout.

4. Home Life

Pushing off going home, getting to other events late or missing time with our family because we feel that work must get done now creates a vicious cycle of stress and When we consistently choose work over family time, it breeds frustration and bitterness among loved ones who feel neglected. This resentment seeps into our home life, escalating tensions and adding more stress to our already burdened shoulders.

Understanding the Roots of Procrastination

Overwhelm and Stress
- The unpredictable nature of towing can be overwhelming. The constant need to be on call, coupled with the pressure to deliver excellent service, can lead to stress-induced procrastination.

2. Lack of Clear Priorities

Without clear priorities, it is easy to become bogged down with less important tasks, pushing critical ones to the back burner. This lack of focus can stem from poor time management or unclear objectives.

3. Fear of Failure

In some cases, procrastination is driven by a fear of The fear of not meeting expectations can cause individuals to delay starting tasks, hoping to avoid potential mistakes.

Strategies to Combat Procrastination

Set Clear Priorities and Goals
- Establishing clear priorities and setting specific, achievable goals can help focus efforts on what matters Breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make them less daunting and easier to tackle.

2. Implement Time Management Techniques

Adopting time management techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique, time blocking, or the Eisenhower Matrix can help structure the workday and reduce procrastination. These methods encourage a disciplined approach to handling tasks.

3. Foster a Supportive Work Environment

Creating a supportive and collaborative work environment can help reduce Encouraging open communication, offering regular feedback, and providing the necessary resources and training can empower employees to take the initiative and stay on track.

4. Address Stress and Overwhelm

Providing stress management resources, promoting work-life balance, and offering support during high-pressure times can help reduce the overwhelm that leads to procrastination.

Encouraging regular breaks and self-care practices can also improve focus and productivity.

5. Use Technology to Streamline Operations

Leveraging technology to automate routine tasks, manage schedules, and track progress can reduce the administrative burden and free up time for more critical Tools such as CRM systems, dispatch software, and mobile apps can enhance efficiency and minimize delays.

Procrastination in the towing industry is not just a minor inconvenience—it can have serious repercussions for customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, employee morale, and your work-life blend. By understanding the underlying causes of procrastination and implementing targeted strategies to combat it, towing businesses can improve their responsiveness, streamline operations, and create a more positive and productive work environment.

Condor Motorcycle Loader for Flatbeds

BLP MEDIA

Anywhere and by anyone, the CONDOR Motorcycle Loader for Flat Beds is great at quickly and easily loading a motorcycle onto the back of a carrier. This versatile loader works on pavement, concrete, dirt, sand and gravel. This makes it easy to load a motorcycle no matter where you’re at. On top of that, it can be loaded with only one person. As a result, it’s a quick and safe solution to loading motorcycles. You can pick one up at Zips.com. Item #: CD-MTR.

RimSling Extreme Synthetic Soft Shackle

Upgrade to RimSling’s Extreme Synthetic Soft Shackle

Soft, synthetic shackles from RimSling are easier to use than traditional metal shackles. They are lighter, cleaner and simpler to open and close. They won’t scratch surfaces, and the best part is there are no metal parts to rust and no threads to corrode and seize. Available in two colors and 10 sizes, RimSling’s Extreme Synthetic Soft Shackle features a 3/4-length braided protective guard. This upgrade extends the life of your soft shackle by preventing cuts and abrasions. Free yourself from metal shackles at Zips.com. Order Item# SS-SOFT-SHACKLE.

SafeAll Driveline Pro

Take a load off with SafeAll’s Driveline Pro.

Let SafeAll’s Driveline Pro do the heavy lifting the next time you need to remove a commercial truck’s driveshaft and secure it for towing. The tool’s hanger bar and cinch straps will save your back from lifting the heavy driveline out of the way and loading it into your tow truck. Secured to the truck’s frame, this lightweight system will prevent unnecessary injury from a falling driveshaft by cradling it during removal from the yoke. It is also a great tool for truck mechanics in the shop when servicing a rear differential or driveline. No tools required for installation. Order Item # DLP100 at Zips.com.

ITI Heavy Duty Ramp Stand

Improve underreach clearance with ITI’s Heavy Duty Ramp Stand.

ITI’s new Heavy Duty Ramp Stand is a safer alternative to wood cribbing when setting up a front tow on commercial trucks and buses. The concave platform cradles the steer tires and raises the front axle nearly three inches to eliminate the need for a double pick. Simply winch the front tires onto the 36”L stand and then extend your underreach and forks under the front axle. Like all ITI products, this 8-lb. stand is made from lightweight plastic material and is resistant to oil, moisture and rot. Order Item# ITHDRS at Zips.com

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