back to top
Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter
Home Blog Page 37

On-Demand Services Promise Major Changes in Towing Industry, with Urgent.ly Leading the Way

By
Tow Professional
-

Urgent.ly is a leader in what’s fast becoming known as the “on-demand economy,” where products and services speed to the customer rather than the other way around. For consumers it simply means when they need something, they expect an app on their phone will give it to them – now. For service providers it means more demand, potentially a great deal more.

“This is not just about offering to fill unused inventory of towing and roadside services via the terrific use of the latest technology,” said Chris Spanos, cofounder and CEO of Urgent.ly, a startup that launched in early 2014 and has since partnered with MapQuest and others to provide on-demand roadside assistance to thousands of customers nationwide. “It’s also about offering companies higher rates and bigger payouts.”

Credit location-based technology that can detect and project the exact location of a smartphone; blame it on Uber, the car service that allows anyone with a phone to tap a few buttons and watch as a driver speeds to pick them up. Either way,
the cat is out of the bag on the “I need it now!” reality.

“We saw this percolating a couple years ago and looked for areas consumers were being underserved,” said Spanos, CEO of Urgent.ly.

Urgent.ly co-founder, Chairman and CTO Surendra Goels agreed, saying, “It was clear to us, based on personal experience and our research, that roadside assistance was something ‘broken’ from the consumer’s perspective and also provided towing companies little return.”

The Urgent.ly approach from the beginning was to offer high margins for drivers and super-fast service to customers, while also giving them the ability to watch on their phone as help arrived. Urgent.ly uses customer iPhone and Android applications, as well as the Web.

“No more calling a roadside club’s 800 number and waiting around, hoping help will arrive soon,”Spanos said. “The world was and is moving away from those scenarios, leaning instead on a customer/location-centric approach.”

This location-centric focus is expressed through a pair of free smartphone applications — one for roadside assistance drivers and one for consumers.

“These apps allow for an automatic call and response, where a consumer can select the service she needs from a simple menu, then watch as the request is sent to Urgent.ly’s nationwide network of service companies — an algorithm determines criteria for who would receive the request,” said Rick Robinson, Urgent.ly’s co-founder and head of product. “Those nearby roadside and towing
providers in our network then receive and instant alert on their phones, allowing them to accept or reject the request — first driver to accept the job request gets it. It’s very democratic.”

Urgent.ly also allows customers to assure loved-ones will never be left stranded. With its FamilyView feature, Urgent.ly encourages free account holders to sign up family members from inside the app.

“This empowers, for instance, a father to sign up his daughter and when she requests help using the app, dad is alerted and can watch on his phone’s map as a service provider arrives,” said Spanos, who previously ran AOL’s Local division and held leadership positions at several startups. “We believe this to be another key differentiator of our service, an unmatched sense of security to friends and family.”

Urgent.ly started in the Washington, DC, region and launched nationally in November 2014, following a deal to provide MapQuest’s millions of customer’s roadside assistance.

“We continue to look for more opportunities to partner and provide even more customers the kind of instant services we’re offering today,” said Ric Fleisher, cofounder and head of business development.

“And that goes for our service partners in particular,” said Travis Keyser, Urgent.ly’s National Director of Service Network Operations. “We are working hard day and night to reach more roadside assistance companies both large and small, so they can take advantage of our superior rates and the convenience that comes from job requests that are geographically nearby.”

Servicers interested in signing up for free to immediately start receiving job requests via their phones (or via Urgent.ly’s integrated dispatch systems) should point their Web browser at http://signup.urgent.ly

MVP Missions

By
Tow Professional
-

Next Generation Tool Company has always been a family-owned business. Owners Darrell and Joanie Bolton are second generation lockout tool manufacturers, taking over where Romaco Tools, Darrell’s father left off.

Over the years the Bolton’s have had opportunities to do more than just manufacture lockout tools. Their faith has given them the desire to help others in many ways.

Since 2007 Darrell has had the privilege of going on mission trips to 24 different countries. Joanie has recently joined in his travels the past 4 years.

Darrell and Joanie have dedicated even more of their time to mission work as the opportunity and needs arise. In 2012 they established MVP Missions, a Florida non-profit organization which provides a platform for others to learn of, and to help support their ministry.

In just the past year (2014) they traveled to Thailand, Myanmar, Bolivia, Brazil, Aruba and Curacao. On their trips they work with local Baptist churches and assist with preaching, teaching, and other outreach ministries. They often use balloons, puppets, and pictures to illustrate Bible stories and truths.

Traveling that much can create some tales to tell…and they’ve had their share. Several years ago, on a whirlwind mission trip to 9 countries in 42 days, Darrell was: Detained in Bangladesh—questioned by 5 different levels of law-enforcement. Evicted from a hotel in Pakistan—with the recent bombings, the manager did not want Americans staying there, for fear of possible terrorist attacks. Forced to flee government authorities in Myanmar—at “high speed” after flagging down a bicycle taxi before the police arrived.

The biggest, life changing event occurred on a mission trip 3 years ago. While serving in a partially communist country, Darrell experienced a raging pain in his abdomen on a Saturday night. He was rushed to the ER and was placed under the care of an anti-American doctor. After long delays in testing, it was finally revealed that Darrell’s colon had ruptured… but the doctor did NOT perform the necessary, lifesaving surgery that was needed. He merely washed the infected area with saline, after calling it, “The worst case of peritonitis I have ever seen!” He put him on antibiotics to see if it would help. Darrell’s condition plummeted. He had sepsis (serious blood infection) and peritonitis (abdominal cavity infection) and was very close to death.

As this was happening, Joanie’s mother was admitted to a hospital in California and was given an unexpected diagnosis—having only 1-4 hours to live. Because of Darrell’s critical condition, Joanie was unable to leave him to fly home to say “goodbye” or to attend her mom’s funeral. By Wednesday, Darrell was at the brink of death and demanded his own surgery. The antiAmerican doctor called in another doctor who thankfully spared Darrell’s life. The surgeon removed Darrell’s entire sigmoid colon, giving him a colostomy.

After surgery, Darrell’s recovery was back under the care of the anti-American doctor. While making remarks against the US, he checked Darrell’s wounds daily, touching them, without washing his hands, or putting on gloves.

After Darrell’s much awaited discharge, the two were finally headed back home. They were forced to layover a few days in Bangkok, Thailand to make sure Darrell was strong enough for the long flight across the ocean. Sadly, due to the doctor touching Darrell’s wounds, and other graphic mistreatment, an internal fevered infection grew and burned a hole the size of a quarter in the stomach’s sheath-lining. This required a 3rd surgery in a Third-World Country.

Despite their heartbreak and multiple surgeries, the Boltons received great peace and comfort from the Lord; and felt blanketed by the love and prayers from their family and friends. Despite the difficult circumstances, their faith never wavered. In fact, it gave them more resolve to accomplish even more with their mission’s ministry.

Joanie has since written a book about their incredible two-month “adventure” which has been featured on both TV and on many radio shows. You can view some pictures from their experience and read the reviews on the book’s website www.withunwashedhands.com

As this article is going to press, Darrell and Joanie have embarked on a 6+ week, 4-country mission trip to the Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

The Bolton’s say there’s nothing like helping others, and happily exclaim, “We have the best job in the world! We have been very fortunate living here in America and we love the opportunities we’ve had to provide food and toys to orphanages, visit those in jails, pass out Bibles to people who have never owned one, and even the chance to visit a leper colony. Honestly, there’s nothing more rewarding than what we do.”

With thoughts of loved ones close to their hearts, they’ve recently designed a line of pink longreach lockout tools, and they make a donation to Breast Cancer Research with every pink tool sold.

“We’ve been blessed in so many ways and want to do what we can to make a difference in lives around the world. We are thankful for this opportunity with MVP Missions.”

Telematics: Tools for Reducing Liability

By
Tow Professional
-
Tom Tom Fleet Management

By Matt Gunzenhaeuser

Today, the Department of Transportation (DOT) considers the act of sending or receiving information on a tablet or smartphone while the driver is behind the wheel of a commercial motor vehicle to be texting – which is prohibited for holders of
commercial licenses.

Luckily, the DOT specifically excludes GPS devices from this restriction. Today’s invehicle technology does so much more than provide turn-by-turn directions. More sophisticated telematics and mobile communications capabilities are easily replacing
mobile phones as the primary communications and dispatch platform for tow operators across the industry.

Smartphones vs. Telematics
We’ve established that, though they are great for communications, and even have GPS capabilities, using a mobile phone while behind the wheel is dangerous. And nNo one wants a distracted driver behind the wheel of one of your trucks – putting other people at risk, and opening up your business to liability issues.

By permanently installing a telematics system, businesses gain complete visibility into where their vehicles are and what they’re doing. With a steady stream of data on location and driver behavior, tow operators can ensure that their vehicles are being driven appropriately.

100 Percent Compliance
Another important benefit of telematics systems is their reliability. Workers can turn off, forget or ignore their handheld device. But a hardwired telematics system ensures you are always in touch with your trucks. More importantly, a smartphone can’t monitor driver behavior or PTO usage. Imagine sitting in the passenger seat next to every driver, every day. Suddenly, you’d have a fleet of vehicles that never sped, where harsh braking and hard steering where unheard of, and idling was just not an option.

Harsh braking is the best indicator of distracted driving. Today’s telematics systems can record this activity, which enables you to monitor and correct the behavior – and protect your business.

Live Traffic Data Reduces Liability Too
Reducing unnecessary drive time not only reduces your operational costs, but decreases the likelihood of being involved in an accident. The latest telematics technology using predictive traffic and truck attribute data ensures the most efficient routes are automatically available to the driver’s navigation system. If a significant incident causes an unexpected traffic delay, the connected navigation system can immediately re-route the vehicle. In addition to reducing drive time by routing around traffic delays, being stuck in traffic significantly increases the mileage to accident ratio.

Get the Right Data – Automatically
Telematics systems offer another important benefit that allows tow managers to quickly identify problems and solve them before they expose the company to risks.

Rather than wade through reports, try to graph accidents and maintenance issues over time, or collect anecdotal evidence about drivers’ habits behind the wheel, telematics systems can show you quickly if there’s a problem, and help you drill down to see what needs to be done.

Rather than wading through reports of all your good drivers, wouldn’t it be great to get an alert about one driver that’s consistently distracted, or speeding? The sophisticated reporting and alert capabilities in telematics systems can deliver this information to you without you having to go looking for it. And with today’s sophisticated reporting systems, you can customize those alerts easily – by setting parameters and benchmarks.
You can also run regular reports that look at trends that are most important to you.

###

Matt Gunzenhaeuser is Director of Sales at TomTom Telematics. Learn more at http://www.tomtomtelematics.com.

Reputation Management

By
Tow Professional
-

After experiencing 20 exciting years within the Digital Marketing industry, a new trend is forming (collecting online reviews). This trend has proven to be the most cost effective and fastest return on investment. Within the last 4 years, the way we must market has changed, and now EVERY small business owner can take advantage of this change. The two major factors that have caused this change are:

1. The rapid growth of people using Smart Phones to surf the Internet.

2. The growing trend in how social media is used to communicate.

60% of our internet traffic is now mobile and in the last 3 years alone, 25% of that growth comes from people using reviews to make their decisions. This is a MUST HAVE business item. Reputation Management is no longer something to postpone. A recent Harvard Business School study shows that a 1 STAR rating change in YELP can cause business revenue to flux up to 9%. That brings up a question. “HOW do you get reviews on-line?”

There are multiple ways to do this but only a few are CORRECT. “Keep in Mind Digital Marketing” done WRONG can cost big. In the last 90 days there are multiple cases of the F.T.C and State Governments fining businesses over half a million (TripAdvisor) for “fake” reviews. So in starting this process you need to know WHAT NOT TO DO first.

#1 DO NOT collect reviews Off-Line and post them “for” your client on review sites. This is called “posting by proxy”, and review sites do not allow this. So if you do it, you have to break the terms of the review site and post it as a fake person, which makes the authorities raise an eyebrow and possibly fine you.

#2 DO NOT post reviews about your own business. This also includes getting employees to post reviews.

#3 DO NOT pay a 3rd party company to post fake reviews. This one should be obvious now that you know it will possibly lead to fines that could potentially end your business.

So what can you do? How do you manage your reputation on-line? The first step is to make sure you have claimed your listings on the review sites. The top ones you must check today.

• Google +
• Yelp
• CitySearch

Once you have your account review listings claimed, you must start using them. The easiest way to use them is to start collecting names and email addresses of your customers, and ASK for a review. It’s simple to do when you have their name and email address. Send them an email ASKING them to post a review. Their personal review is totally yours to use at that point. Add a link to one of your local directory listings. Most of you do not have review because you haven’t asked for them in the correct way.

In closing I just want to say. GO DO THIS! By adding reputation management to your daily business life, you will grow your business.

Also a friend of yours, “DJ Harrington”, the CarDiologist has asked me to go above and beyond for all his Tow Industry friends. Because of my long friendship with DJ, I have put together a resource for all of his friends. A complete section about reputation management is already available with user-friendly details so you can start TODAY. Go on-line NOW and get started. HTTP://DJ.RepSafeGuard.com

10 Reasons to Do Business with Detroit Wrecker.

By
Tow Professional
-

1. The Low Loader is probably one of the most innovative pieces of towing equipment on the market.

Detroit Wrecker proudly manufactures one of the coolest, strongest, and easy to maintain flatbed tow trucks on the market. With
revolutionary features like a 3.5° tilt angle, & 40 degree Dump Angle. 20,000 lb. deck capacity, stationary pylon with integrated hydraulic tank, winch hose pulley system, easy to access bed wear pads, one piece control handles, bed lock free design, and lifetime warranty on pins & bushings. What more could a modern day tower ask for?

2. The Lil Hercules Herc-0-matic Self Loader has “Detroit Wrecker Built Tough” written all over it.

Weighing less than 1,000 lbs., this unit has a towing capacity of 8,000 lbs. We offer our own frame reinforcement package as well as wireless controls and lifetime warranty on all pins & bushings. Check out our Detroit Wrecker Sales YouTube page for videos on our products.

3. We are a full dealer of all Ramsey, Jerr Dan, Dynamic, All Grip and nearly 30 others for replacement parts and new equipment.

4. Wrecker Parts Specialist are here and capable of selling you replacement parts for any brand tow truck. From the rarest to the oldest equipment still on the road, we can find the parts you need.

5. Detroit Wrecker is capable of handling ANY service job. With our own fabrication capabilities and over 100 years combined of towing equipment experience, no job too big or small will be passed off by us.

6. We service Heavy Duty Wreckers. 7. We have our own cylinder manufacturing shop. Whether your cylinder came from a tow truck or a rock crusher, Detroit Wrecker can rebuild it or copy it!

8. We offer ICOM’s patented propane system for flatbeds, pickups, and wreckers that can run on propane and switch back to gasoline saving you thousands of dollars each year in fuel costs.

9. We build the TOUGHEST replacement decks on the market for all major brands, capable of carrying 40,000+ lbs.

10. We have a fabrication shop and talent capable of building anything you can imagine for your towing equipment.

Detroit Wrecker has expanded to a larger 40,000 square foot facility, doubling their current square footage. They have added state of the art equipment, and hired more fabricators and welders.

The goal is to add an element of diversity to better meet the needs of towers with products in stock to eliminate downtime.

Detroit also wants to double the production of the Low Loader and the Little Herc Units.

We know what we do, we are proud of what we do, and we want you to know it. Detroit Wrecker’s customer service is second to none, offering one of the longest Manufactures warranties. Detroit offers a 4 year limited warranty on cylinder seals, and a lifetime warranty on pins and bushings.

Check out our website, Tow 411 Forum, EBay Store, Facebook, YouTube, or just call us at 313-835-8700 to find out why Detroit
Wrecker is the towing equipment industries best kept secret! http://www.DetroitWrecker.com/

Bowers Group

By
Tow Professional
-

Bowers Group has new, exclusive insurance programs for towing companies in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia & Pennsylvania.

Bowers Group has been saving towing companies money since 1986. Recent new customers to Bowers Group have been averaging 20 % savings.

Obviously, we can’t guarantee every company this kind of savings. However, if you have Good Loss Experience, Good Drivers and Good Safety Programs…..We can guarantee you Great Coverage, Great Service and Great Interest Free Payment Plans.

Bowers Group has 6 companies ready to compete for your business.

When your towing company is ready to “Hook Up with Quality”, call Gene Francisco at Bowers Group (800) 837-6146 www.BowersGrp.com

Why Attend Our Tow Show

By
Tow Professional
-

No matter what size Towing Company you own, there are numerous benefits for you and your company to attend a tow show which supports not only your industry but also your STATE TOWING ASSOCIATION. The planning of this event is built around the idea of your personal company and what can we do as an association to benefit your company by attending. This event allows you the opportunity to meet face-to-face with fellow towers, motor clubs, finance companies, insurance agencies, safety apparel, towing equipment suppliers and equipment manufacturers.

The environment at trade shows allows vendors to compete for your business while allowing you to discover new companies representing the type of products and solutions you are seeking.

Once you have made the decision to attend, check our website for information on preregistration, schedule of events, seminars, training classes, exhibitor listing and the do’s & don’t of attending this event. Knowing what seminars and events are available will help you plan your trip.

Once you’ve decided to attend:

  • Begin by pre-registering for your name badge, there’s no need to wait in line
  • Networking opportunities – meet with other towers, suppliers and friends
  • Product comparisons – save time by viewing the products without searching the web, while taking advantage of ‘show specials and discounts’.
  • Stay up to date with the latest technology and products.
  • Negotiating rates – meet face-to-face with your motor club representative, equipment or equipment finance company.
  • Latest technology – whether its lights, towing techniques or equipment, here’s your opportunity to see it all.
  • Education – Seminars to assist you in all aspects of your business needs.
  • Beauty Contest – the chance to show off your rolling advertisement
  • Driving Competition – test of skills
  • Kid’s Mini Rodeo – It’s never too early to get the little ones involved in our industry
  • Miller Industries – live demonstrations and hospitality
  • Hospitality events – opportunity to mingle
  • Celebrity Auctions – benefitting the TRAO Injured Driver’s Fund
  • Friday Night Concert – by Nashville based CEF Michael Band
  • Great Wolf Lodge – Great amenities and a 79,000 sq ft in door water park
  • FUN – Most of all we want you to have a great time and motivate you to enjoy your work more.

Our intent is to bring you and your family an event that you will look forward to attending for many years to come.

Remember most of all to say ‘Thank You’ to the Show Sponsors who take as much pride in our Show as we do. Our moto has always been….’Support those who support us!!!’

www.TRAO.org

The Heart of the Jump Starter

By
Tow Professional
-

The battery is the most important contributor to jump starter performance. It impacts everything from the jump starter’s maximum boosting capacity, the number of jumps that can be performed per charge, the amount of time that the jump starter can sit between charges, its ability to withstand abuse and the overall service life of the unit.

ES Series (Booster PAC) and Clore PROFORMER (Jump-N-Carry) batteries are specifically developed to perform vehicle jump starting applications. They are designed to deliver exceptional power in a quick, concentrated burst. Numerous factors contribute to the power derived from the battery, including the number of lead plates contained, the physical composition of those lead plates, the specific construction of the battery cells, the purity of the electrolyte solution and more.

Booster PAC and Jump-N-Carry jump starter batteries utilize a high quantity of thin lead plates to increase
total lead plate surface area, which increases the power of the battery. In addition, their plates contain few impurities, which can sap power and accelerate depletion of the jump starter between charges. Their battery cell construction features enhanced structure to better flow the power through the battery to the vehicle. The electrolytic paste in the batteries is a high quality composition that enables more efficient recombination for better discharging (jump starting) and recharging. All of these enhancements serve a single purpose: deliver the power you need, even in extreme conditions, over and over again.

Introduction of the Dual Sided Manual Remote Free‐Spool Option

By
Tow Professional
-

With tow truck operator safety always at the forefront of Jerr-Dan engineering, Jerr‐Dan is pleased to announce a new option to help promote roadside operator safety. Now available, the “patent pending,” Dual Sided Manual Remote Free‐Spool option for 8,000 lb. and 10,000 lb. Worm Gear winches on standard and medium duty carriers.

The Dual Sided Manual Remote Free-Spool provides the operator with the ability to manually free‐spool the winch from both the driver and passenger sides of the truck. The dual sided functionality is available for all chassis; not just air equipped chassis requiring air free‐spool systems.

One of the key features of the design is the ability to engage and disengage the free‐spool from either side of the truck at any time. Another feature is that in the case that the system gets damaged or bumped accidentally, it will fail safe into the clutch engaged position. A key operational difference is that the system locks in the up position when the clutch is free‐spooled and rests in the lower position when the clutch is engaged.

The system can be retrofitted to a Jerr‐Dan carrier that has the current single sided manual free spool option, with either a standard bolt‐on or stationary headboard setup. The Dual Sided Manual Remote Free‐Spool kit can be purchased from any Jerr-Dan whole goods or parts distributor.

For more information about Jerr-Dan visit www.jerrdan.com or contact your local Jerr-Dan distributor.

Dynamic Towing Equipment Push Bumper

By
Tow Professional
-

Dynamic Towing Equipment & Mfg. , Inc. are now manufacturing front push bumpers in house. Computer designed for fit & function, they are available for most applications. Heavy Duty mounting brackets, frame braces and easy tow hook access. These bumpers also have the needed air flow openings and are designed to fit the contours of your truck. The face of the bumper is lined with heavy rubber or optional Polyethylene. Dynamic will also paint to match your bumper with a provided paint code or order the optional Speedliner coating for great protection in all weather. An optional grill guard is also available for added protection. These
push bumpers will aid in clearing an accident scene quickly or moving a disabled vehicle safely to a quick location that is safe for both the driver and operator. An optional Ramsey front mounted 15,000# winch is securely mounted inside the body of the bumper. This is the perfect combination for Incident Management and
Emergency Response Vehicles including Tow Trucks, Ambulances, Road Service Vehicles, Police Trucks, Swat Team trucks and more.

Some of the advantages of adding our push bumper to your vehicle:
I. Will Increase the stability of your truck with the added weight front end weight
II. Safely push vehicles without damage
III. Custom designed to fit your application
IV. Paintable
V. Made in the USA

Western States Tow Show

By
Tow Professional
-

After spending 3 years in sunny and beautiful San Diego, the Western States Tow Show is returning to some familiar ground. The Grand Sierra Resort (formally the Reno Hilton), will be our host for the 2015 Western States Tow Show. The Grand Sierra Resort has just completed a massive multi-million dollar remodel and it shows! The WSTS team and the California Tow Truck Association is extremely excited for all of our attendees and vendors to enjoy the Grand Sierra and everything they have to offer!

The 2015 Western States Tow Show (WSTS) is THE place to be for owners, operators and staff from towing and recovery companies. Produced by the California Tow Truck Association, the WSTS is the longest running Western regional tow show. We take pride in presenting a show that is beneficial for not only our members but our attendees and exhibitors by bringing them together in an atmosphere that fosters both personal and professional relationships and networking.

The Western States Tow Show is produced by the California Tow Truck Association (CTTA) and benefits the CTTA’s mission to improve and protect the Towing Industry. The Western States Tow Show is created and coordinated by volunteers from the CTTA Board of Directors and CTTA Members. Beyond helping financially support the CTTA, the Western States Tow Show is a platform for the CTTA and other Towing Associations to share their mission, all while seeing the newest technologies and equipment that our vendors have to offer.

The newly renovated Grand Sierra Resort (formerly Reno Hilton) features over 2,000 rooms and suites of different levels to accommodate all budgets. With a state of the art casino, 12 restaurants, spa, fitness center, shopping and several onsite activities for all ages, there are plenty of things for you to do once the show wraps for the day. Or better yet, plan to stay a few days after the show with your family and enjoy everything the Grand Sierra has to offer.

The WSTS team is hard at work making sure our attendees not only have a great time at the show but leave with knowledge, information and tips to help their business prosper. Keep an eye out for news about what to expect this year from an improved seminar program, new exhibitors and more education and training. We are also excited to have Miller Industries back for a live demonstration and customer appreciation event in addition to CTTA’s Driver Training course(s) offered at discounted rates for those attending the show and staying at the Grand Sierra.

So, start planning your trip now and joins us for the 2015 Western States Tow Show! Visit www.WesternStatesTowShow.com for more information and took book your stay!

Tru-Balance

By
Tow Professional
-

When mounting hub-piloted wheels, all the weight of the wheel and tire rests on the top pilots,
creating a gap in the bottom pilots, leaving the wheel off center. A small gap the size of a
business card can result in an off center wheel and an “egg-shaped” motion upon rotation. This
uneven motion results in tire vibration and irregular tire wear. Even if you balance the tires, the
wheel is still off center.

The TRU-BALANCE products bypass the hub-pilots and center the wheels back to the wheel
studs, which is the true center of the wheel. When the wheels are properly centered, the result is
increased tire life, increased fuel mileage and an unbelievably smooth ride.

Contact us at 866-686-9285 or visit us online at www.tru-bal.com.

TowMate New Advanced Worksite Perimeter Safety System

By
Tow Professional
-

TowMate’s dedication to increasing roadside safety is evident with their latest improvement to their Safety Alert System. They have created peace of mind on the roadside with their addition of the new Personal Safety Device to the system. The device, about the size of a deck of cards, can be worn around the ankle/arm or clipped to a belt and will vigorously vibrate and send a high-frequency tone through the included earbud when it receives the signal from the trip hose. This indicates that the worksite perimeter has been breached. This, in addition to the rechargeable horn/light assembly, creates the awareness necessary to seek safety in the event of a vehicle presenting a threat. The rechargeable Safety Alert System with a hardshell case starts at $450 with the Personal Safety Devices priced at $115 a piece. Everything is made in the USA and carries a lifetime warranty on electronics. For more information or to find a dealer near you, visit www.TowMate.com or call 800-680-4455.

Saftey_Alert_System_combo_01

Three P’s (People, Process, Product) of Successful Business Growth

By
Tow Professional
-

Have you ever considered developing additional streams of income in your business using your existing
equipment and staff? Additional streams of revenue create much needed security and stability in a
business as it faces changing economic conditions, increased costs, decreased profits, and seasonal
fluctuations.

One of the best ways to grow your business is through diversification. Diversifying can be risky but does
not have to be. To avoid becoming another overextended small business story, you simply need a tool
to help evaluate the legitimacy and potential of your diversification options.

Every worthwhile diversification option must pass the “3 P’s” test: People, Process, and Product.

  • People: Mary Kay Ash is quoted as saying, “People are definitely a company’s greatest asset. It
    doesn’t make any difference whether the product is cars or cosmetics. A company is only as
    good as the people it keeps.”

The “right” people make you profitable, the wrong generally don’t.

Evaluation Question: When diversifying, does your diversification opportunity possess the right people to execute your potential product with excellence?

  • Process: Success on any scale is all about the process. The process starts with the product and then advances the company as it defines and streamlines the hiring of employees, marketing, accounting, expansion, etc.

Evaluation Question: Does your potential diversification opportunity have clearly defined processes to execute the product as advertised with consistency?

  • Product: The product must be equally excellent and relevant. Products that outperform their peers have three differentiators: they inspire, they possess the potential to be the leader in the
    market, and they create trust with their customers.

Evaluation Question: Does your potential diversification opportunity have a product that excites you and also has the ability to stand out in the market?

With a passionate and determined focus on these “3 P’s”, Snappy Box has created a new way for Tow Operators who already have rollback trucks, drivers, and extra space on a secure lot to diversify by adding portable storage to their existing business. Owning and renting portable storage containers allows Tow Operators to tap into a $3 billion industry. The Portable Storage industry was created to provide a more convenient option for customers with self-storage needs. The portable storage container is brought to the customer’s home or business where it is packed. Once packed, it can be stored at the customer’s property or brought back to a portable storage company’s secure outdoor storage lot.

Snappy Box provides a good source of high quality, light weight containers that are specifically designed
to be moved loaded with rollback trucks. They also bring their 11 years of industry experience to offer a
turn-key management program that runs all aspects of the portable storage business and allows the operator to continue to focus on their towing business.

Let’s take a look at how their focus on the “3 P’s” is benefiting Tow Operators that are looking for new
ways to generate revenue.

People:
Combining the Snappy Box staff with a towing operation is a powerful combination. Anybody can say they have the best people in their company. Snappy box has the statistics to prove it. With a 90% customer satisfaction rating and customer acquisition rates double industry standard, it is clear that the Snappy Box staff are passionate, friendly, team oriented people that make service a priority.

Product:
Snappy Box has set itself apart in the industry with a quality product that stands above the competition. Snappy Box containers are extremely durable, typically have a 30-year life cycle, are waterproof, secure, can carry up to 10,000 lbs and withstand winds up to 120 miles an hour. They come in two sizes, 8’x16’ and 8’x19‘. These containers are uniquely designed for the towing industry and have four wheels that allow the containers to roll on and off your truck without damaging the bed.

On average, a portable storage unit will rent for $175.00 per month and stay rented for an average of 6
months. When towing a portable storage unit, you are paid for the transport and collect recurring revenue from the monthly rental. Multiply this by 50, 100, or 200 containers and towing operators can generate significant profit.

When you diversify with Snappy Box you are able to strategically scale the growth of your business with a manageable initial order quantity because Snappy Box can ship container in groups of 12 at a time. Tow operators can break even with as few as 6 containers rented and this factors in the cost of financing. With snappy box, you not only get the safety of scalability, but you get the added bonus of diversifying your business.

Process:
With positive growth yearly for 11 straight years, Snappy Box knows how to rent containers. With your towing experience, you know how to tow containers. Working together with your experience, Snappy Box rents the containers while you focus on transportation.

Snappy Box is here to help you use your existing resources to safely and slowly

build on what you already do well – towing – whether towing a car or a container. Snappy Box uses tried
and true processes applied to a sales-focused call center, online lead generation, marketing plan, billing/collections system, dispatching, social media campaign, website with quote system, landing page, and operational software that are used to make your operation as successful as it’s own.

If you are looking for a way to diversify your towing business, create additional revenue for your business and utilize your trucks and drivers through the slow times, then Snappy Box Moving and Storage may be a great solution for you. To find out more about their services, check them out at www.snappybox.com/towing or call 888-363-2720.

Next Generation Tool Co.

By
Tow Professional
-

Portable Automotive DVR
“Your Digital Eye-Witness”

This new item is a must-have for recording what actually happens during driving incidents. Features include: HD Quality; Loop Recording and Motion Activation; Wide Viewing Area; Excellent Night Vision; Color Screen. Multi-functional as a DVR, Digital camera and Microphone; Both 12v and Battery Operated; Auto ON/OFF. Excellent for insurance, legal claims and new drivers. Know where your drivers or family is going. 1 yr. Mfr. guarantee. Call us today at 1-800-874-5625.

S & J Manufacturing, Inc.

By
Tow Professional
-

DIG OUT CHAINS
Dig Out Chains are used on trucks when you are stuck in the snow, ice, or mud. You can use them off road, in truck docks, or parking lots to gain traction effectively. Easy to install, easy to take off.

** NOT FOR HIGHWAY USE **
** DO NOT USE HOLE WHERE THE VALVE STEM IS. THIS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE**

E – Z OUT STRAP
E – Z OUT STRAPS are used to get automobiles out of the ditch and clear the highway quickly. It’s as easy as 1-2-3.

STEP #1 – RUN THE STRAP THROUGH THE WHEEL.
STEP #2 – WRAP THE LOOP END OF THE STRAP BACK TO THE HOOK.
STEP #3 – HOOK THE WINCH LINK TO THE RING IN THE END OF THE STRAP TO WINCH OUT.

S & J Manufacturing, Inc.
203 Commerce Drive
Cuba, MO 65453
Phone: 573-885-4460
Fax: 573-885-3351
www.sjmetalcubamo@yahoo.com

1...363738...55Page 37 of 55
© Copyright Over the Mountain Media | Website design by Dialed-In Media Group | Managed Website Support, Hosting, & Webmaster Services by BLP MEDIA