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Reputation Management

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

Larson Electronics

Larson Electronics’ LEDP5W-30-TP1-50CR is a portable LED light tower that comes complete with a 150 watt LED light head, aluminum quadpod and 50’ retractable cord reel. Operators can easily stow this collapsible light tower after using it for temporary scene lighting. The LED floodlight creates a total of 14,790 lumens of bright white light that provides coverage for an area 540’ long by 480’ wide, and retractable cord reel keeps the cord clear of trip hazards.

800-369-6671
www.magnalight.com

FlowStop

FlowStop has launched its newest product, a football shaped, polyurethane impregnated, wateractivated
foam plug. Its revolutionary qualities will temporarily stop the flow from a leak in anything from a pipe, to a tanker, to a rail car—even a boat hull! What makes the “Football” so unique is that it starts as a pliable plug that can be easily inserted into a void. Then it quickly expands and hardens to fill the void, taking the shape of a small child’s football. The versatile repair plug can even be applied below the water line!

The FlowStop Football offers many significant benefits to the spill containment and marine industries as well as fire departments, HazMat teams, first responders and clean-up crews. It’s ready to use immediately, with no mixing or other prop work required. The application is fast, simple and mess-free. Most important of all, it sets rock hard in under three minutes – and works for all types of accidents, punctures and leaks.

“When a leak needs to be stopped fast, the Football Plug is the most reliable product available today,” says Perry Beaty, president of FlowStop’s manufacturer, Logos Inc. “It saves valuable time in avoiding crisis situations more effectively than anything else on the market. We’re amazed by its ease of use and are pleased to be adding it to our product line of unique pipe plugs.”

The Football Plug Kit includes five “Footballs” that come in a 3 ½ gallon portable plastic water bucket with lid along with step-by-step instructions and protective gloves. Each Football foil packet is approximately 7 inches by 7 inches. Once submerged in water for just 5 seconds, the yellow-foam is used to plug the hole—curing in less than three minutes in temperatures ranging from 32 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Remaining Footballs can be easily stored in the bucket for future use.

The Football Plug provides excellent resistance to gasoline, kerosene, diesel, formaldehyde and other urethane chemicals and toxins.
To order, call 877-356-9767 or visit www.FlowStop.net.

TWIST LOCK™ SLIP HOOKS

B/A Products

Features & Benefits
• Strongest latch ever designed for use on a slip hook.
• Eliminates out of service equipment because of broken flip latches.
• Latch is constructed of heavy gauge steel and designed to withstand adverse conditions.
• Latch conveniently swivels 360 degrees.
• Helps prevent accidental hooking or catching onto other objects.
• Come in 5/16”, 3/8” and 1/2” sizes for use with Grade 70 chain.

AVAILABLE WHEREVER B/A PRODUCTS ARE SOLD!
WWW.BAPROD.COM