When Darian approached me about writing articles for Tow Professional, Angie Haines immediately came to mind. Angie’s story, strength, and influence within the towing industry were too compelling not to share. Thankfully, when I reached out to her, she graciously agreed to share her story, and now I have the privilege of introducing you to one of the most inspiring women I’ve met in this field.  When I first met Angie, I remember being struck by her presence–confident and undeniably knowledgeable. She carried herself with an air of purpose that made you pause and take notice, yet approachable and kind. I met her in Washington, D.C., at a legislative event, and it was clear from the start that she wasn’t just someone who showed up; she was someone who made an impact.

Angie Haines serves as Vice President of Haines Towing Inc., a family-owned business based in Bordentown, New Jersey. With a fleet of about 30 pieces of equipment: including flatbeds, heavy-duty trucks, rotators, service trucks, Landoll/lowboys, a road service unit, and various auxiliary recovery tools like skid steerers and backhoes, the company is well-equipped to handle even the most complex jobs. “I’m sure we have twice the amount of equipment now as we did when I was a kid, but in four decades, there’s been a lot of equipment coming and going,” Angie shared with a laugh.

The company employs a dedicated team of 15 to 20 drivers and dispatchers, and Angie couldn’t be prouder of the people she works with. “Right now, I love our team! We have some truly awesome individuals.  They are dependable. They work hard, and we have fun,” she said.  Her enthusiasm for the team reflects her belief in the importance of fostering a positive work environment. Angie’s leadership extends beyond just managing the fleet and daily operations; she’s built a culture of trust and camaraderie that ensures Haines Towing Inc. is not only efficient but also a great place to work.

When I asked Angie how long she had been in the towing industry and how she got her start, her answer was both simple and profound, “My whole life. I am 45 years young,” she laughed, “and third generation.” Her passion for this field runs deep, tracing back to 1920 when her grandfather and great uncle first founded the company. Her father took the reins in 1976, and Angie’s involvement began at an early age, spending afternoons at the shop after school, accompanying her dad on winch outs and crane jobs. “I was the ‘brake holder,” she reminisced about a role that so many of us in this industry remember fondly.  As she grew older, Angie naturally transitioned into more traditional responsibilities within the business: dispatching, maintaining driver files, managing towing contracts, licenses, and truck maintenance records, and ensuring all required filings were up to date. Yet, her hands-on approach never wavered. She’s a ‘last man out’ kind of leader, ready to jump in and drive a flatbed when needed or even operate heavy equipment for large recoveries.

These days, Angie also finds herself as her father’s trusted sidekick, assisting him on various calls as he continues to work, even while feeling the weight of his years, although she jokingly asked me not to mention that part. “If he’s going on a car accident, winch job, or heavy tow, I’m by his side,” she said warmly. “I love getting to spend that time with him.”  For Angie, recoveries are more than a job. They’re a passion. She’s deeply involved in every aspect, from bringing support equipment to the scene to helping coordinate subcontractors and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Whether she is managing the recovery plan of action, assisting with rigging, supervising technicians, or simply running a truck and clearing debris, Angie is a force to be reckoned with. She’ll drive almost anything, although she admits with a laugh, “The backhoe and I just don’t get along.”

When asked what a typical day looks like, her answer was as dynamic and multifaceted as she is. “First and foremost, I’m a mom,” she said, speaking warmly about her 14-year-old daughter, Evelyn. Homeschooling and managing Evelyn’s competitive equestrian schedule are just part of her daily routine. “We show Appaloosas, and Evelyn competes in both All-Around and Speed events,” she explained, adding with pride that their horse farm is an integral part of their lives.  Angie’s mornings start before anyone else’s. From feeding pets and preparing lunches to checking on the horses and coordinating with the farm crew. Her day is already in full swing before she even heads to the office. Depending on the day, she might drop Evelyn off at her homeschool group or bring her along to work, balancing the dual roles of parent and professional with grace.  Once her workday begins, it is a whirlwind of responsibilities. Angie juggles the daily demands of running a business: emails, phone calls, and meetings with her numerous leadership roles.

As a member of the executive board for the Garden State Towing Association (GSTA), the chair of multiple towing committees, and a liaison for initiatives like the NJ DOT Responder Safety Campaign, Angie’s schedule is packed with meetings, both virtual and in-person.  Yet, amidst the hustle, she remains focused on growth and innovation. “I make it a goal every week to do at least one thing that helps me work ‘on’ my business, because we all know working ‘in’ the business takes up 99.9% of our time,” she shared. One way she invests in her development is by taking a Mastermind Class, which has been instrumental in sharpening her leadership skills.  At the end of a perfect day, Angie cherishes time with her family. “If I can get out of work at a decent time, I go home, watch my daughter ride, walk the dogs, and make dinner,” she said. It is clear that no matter how full her plate is, Angie’s commitment to both her family and her work remains unwavering.

When it comes to balancing work and home life, Angie has learned that flexibility and preparation are key. Her advice for juggling it all? Seize the moment. “If it’s a little slow at work and I’m basically caught up, and my daughter says, ‘Hey Mom, how about a pedicure?’ I go do it,” she said with a smile. Those moments of connection and spontaneity are what make the busy days worthwhile.  Angie is also a firm believer in staying ahead of the game. “I try not to procrastinate chores,” she explained. By tackling tasks as they come up, she keeps her home life running smoothly. For family events, she is all about preparation. “I make a plan and a backup plan,” she added, knowing that life doesn’t always go as expected.  Her practical approach to balancing work and family not only helps her stay on top of her responsibilities but also allows her to enjoy the moments that truly matter. It is a reminder that even in the busiest of lives, prioritizing what is important and having a plan can make all the difference.

Working in a male-dominated industry like towing comes with its fair share of challenges, and Angie Haines has navigated them with determination and wit. One of the most persistent hurdles? Being seen as the person with authority, rather than someone in a supporting role. “A lot of people assume I’m the one answering phones and writing letters, not the one making decisions,” Angie explained.  She often encountered customers who would ask to speak with her father when they didn’t get the answer they wanted. Now, Angie’s approach to these situations blends professionalism with a touch of humor. “On occasion, I’ll transfer the call to my dad for fun, and he tells them, ‘Oh, you need to speak to Angie about that,’ and sends it right back,” she laughs.  She’s also dealt with the assumption that only a man could be the owner of the business. “Sometimes people ask for the owner, and I tell them I am the owner,” she shared. “They’ll still ask for the ‘guy owner.” One customer even asked to speak to her husband (back when she was married), to which Angie replied, “You can, but he doesn’t work for me.”

When asked if things are getting easier for women in towing, Angie Haines sees positive change on the horizon. “I think so,” she said thoughtfully. “It’s more widely accepted to have women in male-dominated fields across all industries.” While it may still surprise some people to see a woman step out of a tow truck at the scene, the reactions are shifting. “Now, instead of getting catcalls, we hear, ‘You go, good for you,’ from other responders and people on-site,” she shared, a clear sign of evolving attitudes.  When it comes to addressing doubters, Angie Haines keeps it simple: she doesn’t. “I don’t say anything,” she explained. “I do. I do what it takes, I do what I want, I do what needs to be done.” For Angie, actions speak louder than words.  Her quiet determination and unwavering commitment have consistently proven her capabilities, leaving little room for skepticism. By staying focused on her goals and letting her accomplishments speak for themselves, Angie sets an example of resilience and strength for others, particularly women navigating male-dominated industries.

On a larger scale, Angie has found encouragement through her work on state and federal legislation. “When speaking on legislative issues, I’ve been very well received and even applauded for my efforts as a woman,” she said. These positive experiences have fueled her confidence and drive, giving her the momentum to continue breaking barriers and advocating for the industry.  Although there’s progress still to be made, Angie’s story highlights the strides women are making in towing and beyond. Her experiences reflect a growing recognition of women’s capabilities, a shift she hopes will continue to inspire others to forge their own paths in traditionally male-dominated fields.

For Angie Haines, success is not defined solely by accomplishments or accolades.  It is about fulfillment and the journey it takes to get there. “Feeling fulfilled and satisfied isn’t just about reaching my goals, but about having the opportunity to pursue them,” she said. Angie lives by the philosophy, ‘It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.’  Beyond personal achievements, Angie believes true success is rooted in relationships. “Being successful in life also means having meaningful relationships, valuing the time spent with those people, and contributing in a positive way to the lives of those around me,” she said. Her words reflect a deep commitment not just to her work and family, but also to the broader community she impacts through her leadership and example.

Angie has some truly admirable role models who have deeply shaped her values and character. Here’s a quick reflection on what she shared:

1. Gayle Matson: Angie’s horse trainer and riding instructor clearly left an indelible mark on her life. Gayle’s genuine care, unwavering honesty, and incredible work ethic not only inspired Angie but also seem to embody the qualities Angie strives for in her own life. Her memory lives on as a testament to love, strength, and resilience, even in the face of ALS.
2. Her Mom, Chrissy: A strong, feisty, and determined German woman, Chrissy has instilled in Angie the courage to fight for her dreams and beliefs. Her tough-love approach, paired with fierce love and support, is a beautiful reminder of the power of family.
3. Her Dad, Joe: With a mix of brilliance, loyalty, and a knack for surprising trivia, Joe has shown Angie the importance of dedication and service. His unwavering belief in her and his example of hard work have clearly left a lasting impression on her heart and her path in life. “I think he thinks I hung the moon, but I feel the same about him.”

Angie’s reflections reveal how these remarkable individuals have helped her become the person she is today. They are not just role models but also cherished sources of love, inspiration, and guidance.  As we wrapped up our conversation, I asked Angie what two things she always has with her. Her answer, “Chapstick and work boots.” It is a simple statement that perfectly captures her essence- a blend of grit and grace, ready for anything life or work throws her way.