Pat Winer's journey through the towing industry reveals a career marked by innovation, service, and an unwavering commitment to community. From his humble beginnings in the paint department at Challenger Wrecker Manufacturer in the early 1980s, Pat shares the fascinating evolution of his career alongside the technological advancements that have shaped modern towing.

Working under industry pioneer Bill Bottoms at Challenger, Pat witnessed firsthand how manufacturing excellence and thoughtful design could transform an industry. He describes the state-of-the-art facilities where an overhead chain-link system moved parts between stations – a testament to the ingenuity that has always driven the best in the business. As the wheel lift revolution took hold in the mid-80s, Pat found himself at the epicenter of change, watching as demand for add-on wheel lifts grew so intense that "guys were waiting in line to get them."

Perhaps most compelling is Pat's creation of Tow Trucks for Tots in 2007, an initiative born from a simple yet profound desire to transform the somber processions of tow trucks at industry funerals into something joyful and community-focused. What started as a local parade has grown into an annual tradition that has broken Guinness World Records, delivered toys to children affected by economic hardship and natural disasters, and even inspired similar events internationally. The friendly competition with the French Towing Association, who now hold the record with 491 trucks, only serves to benefit more children in need.

Today, as District Sales Manager for Landau Corporation, Pat continues to champion innovation with new trailer designs featuring 10-foot-1 spread axles and expandable capabilities reaching 61 feet. His humility shines through when discussing his Hall of Fame induction, crediting his entire team for the success of Tow Trucks for Tots.

For those interested in learning more or touring the Landau factory, Pat welcomes contact at [email protected] or 630-878-9837. Join us for this inspiring conversation that demonstrates how dedication to craft, community, and continuous improvement can create a lasting legacy in the towing industry.

The dangers facing tow truck operators and the evolving strategies to protect them take center stage in this eye-opening episode of Towing News. We explore multiple tragic incidents, including a Kentucky case where a truck driver has been indicted for murder after allegedly watching YouTube videos before fatally striking tow operator Troy Caldwell. The driver now faces serious charges including evidence tampering and has a warrant out for his arrest after missing court appearances.

Our coverage extends globally with news of a devastating Mother's Day accident in South Africa that claimed nine lives when a tow truck rear-ended a vehicle carrying church members. These incidents underscore the critical importance of attentive driving and the vulnerability of roadside workers.

We also examine innovative enforcement approaches in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where authorities are tackling disruptive "X-Train" mobile parties through a new towing ordinance. This strategy allows police to immediately impound vehicles without court orders, imposing $300 fees on owners and creating a streamlined system for handling repeat offenders. The approach represents a significant shift from previous enforcement methods that often left officers outnumbered and unable to effectively disperse these gatherings.

The consequences of impaired driving are highlighted through the sentencing of Jason Guerin to 4-12 years for a crash that severely injured both a state trooper and tow truck driver in Malta, New York. We also provide practical hazmat response guidance from expert Perry Beatty, covering essential equipment requirements for towing professionals responding to accidents involving hazardous materials. His emphasis on being "combat ready" offers valuable insight for industry professionals seeking to improve their emergency response capabilities.

Listen now to understand the challenges facing the towing industry and the evolving strategies being implemented to protect workers and communities. Share your thoughts on these developments and let us know what safety measures you believe would most effectively protect roadside workers.

The multi-generational heartbeat of the towing industry comes alive as John Beauman Jr, Third-generation owner of Beauman's Garage in Lockport, NY, shares his family's remarkable 75-year journey in towing. Born into the business that his grandfather started in 1950, John embodies the deep connection many have to this profession – it's not just work, but a complete way of life.

As First Vice President of the Empire State Towing Recovery Association (ESTRA), John provides an exciting preview of their upcoming 41st annual trade show happening June 6-8 in Lake George. This event combines essential industry education with family-friendly activities in one of New York's most beautiful vacation destinations. From specialized EV and hazmat training to the popular truck show-and-shine competition, evening entertainment, and networking opportunities, the ESTRA show represents the industry's spirit of community and advancement.

What truly stands out in our conversation is ESTRA's critical role as an advocate for towing professionals at the state legislature. Founded in 1980 by visionary operators who recognized the power of collective action, the association ensures towing perspectives are heard when regulations are considered. John explains how educating lawmakers about the substantial investments in equipment and training that enable today's efficient roadside service helps create more balanced policies. This advocacy exemplifies how industry associations transform individual challenges into collective solutions through representation, education, and bringing people together.

The welcoming atmosphere of the ESTRA show extends beyond New York, inviting towers from surrounding states and Canada to join this celebration of industry excellence. Whether you're a seasoned professional or bringing family to experience the magic of Lake George while connecting with the towing community, this event offers something for everyone. Register today at estratoshow.com and become part of this vibrant tradition where towing expertise meets family fun in a picture-perfect setting.

The towing industry landscape is changing dramatically, and we're at the forefront of this transformation. In this revealing conversation, we announce the groundbreaking merger between Cardinal Legacy Towing Group and the American Towing Recovery Institute (ATRI), creating a powerful new force in towing education and operations.

Kurtis Barks, the visionary behind Cardinal Legacy Group, shares his journey from automotive repair to building a network of 13 consolidated towing companies across multiple states. What makes this merger revolutionary isn't just its scale – it's the human-centered approach driving it. Barth explains how their consolidation model delivers 18-21% pay increases, comprehensive benefits packages, and career advancement opportunities previously unavailable to many towing professionals.

The conversation takes us deep into the philosophy that "it's not about the bottom line – it's about making the bottom line better by having successful people and safe jobs." We explore how this merger addresses critical industry challenges from skyrocketing insurance costs to proper training and safety protocols. Most compelling is Bark's commitment to elevating tow operators to their rightful status as essential first responders, worthy of the same respect and protection as police and firefighters.

Perhaps most exciting is the announcement of a permanent 10-acre training facility being established west of St. Louis. This comprehensive center will offer everything from beginner training for industry newcomers to advanced recovery techniques, water extractions, and safety protocols – potentially transforming how the industry develops its workforce.

Whether you're a towing company owner considering your future, an operator looking for better working conditions, or simply interested in how innovative business models can transform traditional industries, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of towing and recovery. Join us to discover how consolidation, done right, can create better outcomes for everyone in the towing ecosystem.

Roadside dangers take center stage in this sobering exploration of the hazards facing tow truck operators worldwide. The deadly toll becomes immediately apparent as we uncover the shocking pattern of violence in Durban, South Africa, where three drivers have been killed in suspected drive-by shootings this year alone, highlighting an alarming trend that authorities have yet to address effectively.

The regulatory landscape for towing services is evolving rapidly across multiple continents. Ghana's mandatory towing subscription program represents an innovative approach to clearing highways of abandoned vehicles while avoiding monopolistic concerns that plagued previous attempts. Meanwhile, Australia has expanded its protective slow-down laws to shield tow truck operators and roadside workers, imposing substantial fines on drivers who fail to reduce speed when passing these vulnerable professionals.

American towing companies face both tragedy and controversy. We examine the heartbreaking case of Rico Funches, who lost his life when his tow truck plunged into a pond following a multi-vehicle collision in Mississippi. In Kansas City, a different battle unfolds as authorities crack down on predatory towing practices, seizing vehicles and bringing charges against operators accused of illegal activities. The towing industry's pushback against what they consider excessive regulation reveals the complex balance between consumer protection and reasonable oversight.

Perhaps most poignant is the survival story of Florida tow truck driver John Umara, who suffered severe injuries when struck while working roadside. His impassioned plea for drivers to "move over, slow down" serves as both a reminder of the risks these essential workers face daily and a call to action for all motorists. Whether you're a towing professional, a concerned citizen, or a policy maker, this comprehensive examination of the industry's challenges demands your attention and underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures worldwide.

Share your thoughts on how we can better protect these roadside heroes. Have you witnessed dangerous situations involving tow truck operators? Let us know in the comments or leave a review sharing your experiences.

Veteran tower Jared Innis pulls back the curtain on the economic realities of the towing industry in this eye-opening conversation about survival in a challenging business landscape. With 31 years of experience and as president of the Missouri Tow Truck Association, Ennis offers a frank assessment of the issues threatening towing companies across America.

The financial mathematics of towing simply don't add up for many operators. When insurance companies cap towing reimbursements at $5,000 while actual recovery costs for major truck accidents often exceed $50,000, who absorbs that difference? Innis reveals a startling statistic: between 30-40% of towed commercial vehicles are never reclaimed, leaving towing companies holding worthless damaged equipment after providing essential public safety services.

"We're seeing they have cargo only and liability on the truck and trailer, and we're getting trashed trucks and trailers," Innis explains. "It's become more of a challenge because you're getting paid for basically a third of the bill and getting stuck with junk."

The conversation shifts to the legislative battles being fought in Missouri, where proposed regulations threaten to create a towing recovery review committee with just one tower among seven members who would have authority over billing disputes. Even more concerning, a provision would allow customers who dispute a bill to retrieve their vehicle without payment, effectively eliminating the tower's ability to secure compensation for services rendered.

Locally, Kansas City faces its own crisis following allegations of "predatory towing" that have prompted reactionary ordinances. Jackson County's proposed regulations would charge towing companies $1,000 plus $250 per truck for licensing—ten times what surrounding counties charge—while implementing a punishment structure where a single violation by one driver could potentially shut down an entire company.

Whether you're in the towing industry or simply rely on these essential services, this conversation offers valuable perspective on the challenges facing the businesses we count on to keep our roadways clear and safe. For more information about the Missouri Towing Association, visit motowtrruck.com.

Tragedy struck the towing industry multiple times in recent weeks as three tow operators lost their lives while performing roadside assistance. These deaths underscore the critical importance of Move Over laws that many drivers continue to ignore despite the fatal consequences.

From the heartbreaking stories of Ken Sopasto in Florida and Richard Rodriguez in New York—both killed while working roadside—to the harrowing account of an Oklahoma City tower who narrowly escaped death when his quick-thinking colleague pulled him from a burning truck, this episode explores the very real dangers towing professionals face daily. As one veteran tower put it, "You can wear all the fluorescent you want, have all the fancy flashing lights, have all the trucks behind you. All it takes is that one person not to pay attention."

Beyond safety concerns, the episode delves into troubling legal issues plaguing the industry. In Kansas City, a mother-son duo faces 18 felony charges for allegedly conducting illegal tows, falsifying documents, and harassing vehicle owners. Meanwhile, in Australia, a woman received a shocking $5,000 bill for a routine tow—a predatory practice exploiting regulatory loopholes. The violence directed at towing operators continues as well, with three tow trucks mysteriously set ablaze overnight in Brampton, Ontario.

It's not all grim news, however, as Montana recently passed legislation giving towing vehicles preference in roundabouts, acknowledging the unique challenges these vehicles face. The American Towing Recovery Institute also announced numerous upcoming training opportunities across the country, including specialized sessions for handling electric vehicles through their new EV Clever app.

As we wrap each episode, the message becomes increasingly urgent: stay on the passenger side of your truck, remain vigilant, and prioritize safety above all else. The towing industry shouldn't have to count more fallen colleagues simply because drivers can't be bothered to move over or slow down. Have you witnessed drivers ignoring Move Over laws? What will it take to change this deadly behavior?

Wes Wilburn welcomes listeners to a deeply meaningful episode featuring a crucial conversation with Matt Milazzo, senior manager at the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Born and raised in Staten Island with a family dedicated to public service, Matt shares how the foundation's mission to eradicate veteran homelessness resonates with his personal values and professional aspirations.

The heart of this episode centers on the foundation's innovative approach to combating veteran homelessness through strategically located Veterans Villages—renovated hotels transformed into supportive housing communities. Matt explains their two-pronged strategy: providing immediate housing through these villages while simultaneously addressing the root causes of homelessness through personalized support services. Since late 2022, they've already helped over 10,000 veterans transition off the streets. These villages aren't just shelters; they're comprehensive rehabilitation centers strategically positioned near VA facilities to ensure ongoing medical support.

A critical need emerges during their discussion—transportation. The foundation urgently requires wheelchair-accessible passenger vans to transport veterans to medical appointments and other essential services. This presents a unique opportunity for the towing and recovery industry to make a tangible difference. Wes passionately calls on listeners to donate suitable vans or salvageable accessibility equipment, pledging his personal assistance in coordinating transportation to wherever the foundation needs these vehicles nationwide. Beyond vehicle donations, Matt details additional ways to support their mission, including their symbolic $11 monthly donation program and various fundraising opportunities.

The episode concludes with Towing News Now, highlighting recent industry developments including Chicago's efforts to combat predatory towing practices, controversial vehicle removal operations in California, and sobering reminders of the dangers tow operators face. These stories underscore why initiatives like the Tunnel to Towers partnership matter—they demonstrate how an industry often misunderstood by the public can be a powerful force for good in communities across America.

Ready to make a difference? Contact the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at 718-987-1931 or visit t2t.org to learn how you can support their mission to ensure no veteran remains homeless.

When a tow truck driver's head gets run over during a routine repossession, it highlights the extreme dangers towing professionals face daily. Our latest episode dives into this shocking incident and several other headline-grabbing stories affecting the towing community nationwide.

We examine the case of an Alabama ex-officer charged with murder after a fatal shooting during a truck repossession, a Montana towing company suing after being permanently removed from a police rotation list, and a predatory tower now serving house arrest after charging victims up to $11,000 per tow. These stories illustrate both the challenges and accountability within our industry.

The heart of our episode features an exclusive interview with Perry Beatty, founder of Hazmat Responder Network. Perry shares his remarkable journey from becoming proficient in light-duty recovery at just 14 years old to developing specialized expertise in hazardous material response. His insights reveal a lucrative opportunity many towing companies overlook: HAZWOPER certification to handle spill cleanup at accident scenes.

"Don't leave money on the table," Beatty advises. "You're already on scene – dominate the scene and handle the entire cleanup." He explains how the 40-hour HAZWOPER certification empowers towing operators to not only recover vehicles but also manage environmental hazards, creating substantial additional revenue streams while providing a valuable service to emergency responders who prefer working with a single service provider.

Whether you're looking to expand your towing business offerings or simply stay informed about industry developments, this episode delivers practical knowledge from someone who's built multiple successful operations in the towing and recovery space. Connect with the Hazmat Responder Network at 877-356-9767 or visit hazmatrn.com to learn how you can secure this valuable certification.

Every day, towing professionals face evolving challenges that demand awareness, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to safety. This episode of the American Towing Recovery Institute podcast delivers crucial industry updates that impact everyone from owner-operators to fleet managers.

Breaking news from Kenworth reveals the planned discontinuation of their iconic 1.9-meter cab Class 8 trucks—including the legendary W900, T800W, and C500 models—by 2026. This significant shift, driven by changing emissions regulations and component constraints, signals a transformation in the heavy-duty sector that towing professionals must prepare for.

The human cost of roadside dangers takes center stage with the heartbreaking story of Wyoming tow operator Zach Krohn, hospitalized after being struck by a pickup truck while working on Interstate 80. His wife's plea echoes what industry safety advocates have emphasized for years: "Please, if you see operators or stalled vehicles, slow down and move over." This incident, alongside troubling legal cases involving a Virginia tow driver's arrest and a deadly police shooting during a contested repossession in Alabama, underscores the complex risks towing professionals navigate daily.

Perhaps most disturbing is the San Diego case where Monica Camaronade Adams was found deceased in her impounded van at a tow yard—over a month after a DUI collision. This tragedy has sparked a $50 million claim against the city and raises profound questions about inspection protocols during towing operations. We also expose predatory practices involving unsolicited towing services that target accident victims with unauthorized fees.

The American Towing Recovery Institute remains committed to advancing professionalism through training, certification, and innovative solutions like the EV Clever app for handling electric vehicles in emergencies. Download it today from the Apple or Google Play store and join us in elevating industry standards. Have questions or need resources? Connect with us through www.amtowri.org and subscribe for weekly updates on the stories shaping our industry.