"The impression you leave on people is far more important than what you get from them." This powerful philosophy, passed down from father to son, forms the bedrock of Jim's Towing success story. In this inaugural episode of our multi-generational towing family series, we're joined by Jim Conroy and his son William, representing the second and third generations of their family business.
From their humble beginnings in 1986 to their current impressive operation spanning three locations (with a fourth on the way) near Charleston, South Carolina, the Conroy family shares how their customer-first approach has built a thriving enterprise with 36 trucks serving communities and even the Naval Weapons Station.
Jim reveals how taking over from his father in 2018 taught him invaluable lessons about the business side of towing that he'd never fully appreciated before. Meanwhile, William brings a fresh perspective while honoring the traditions established by his grandfather and father, having literally grown up in the industry – even "towing" his first vehicle at age three and taking a rotator certification class by age six!
What makes this conversation particularly meaningful is the focus on values rather than just technical expertise. When customers are having their worst day with a broken-down vehicle and unexpected expenses, the Conroys emphasize patience, respect, and understanding. As Jim explains, "We're not in a very affluential part of Charleston, so it's best for our community that we're not extremely expensive." This community-minded perspective exemplifies why family-owned towing operations remain the backbone of the industry.
The episode also touches on the importance of family-oriented industry events and training, with both generations expressing appreciation for opportunities that welcome children and spouses to tow shows, helping foster the next generation's interest in this vital profession.
Subscribe to the Towing News Channel, available on Spotify, iTunes, Pandora, Stitcher, iHeartMedia, or wherever you get your podcasts, and join us for more inspiring stories from the towing and recovery industry. Have a multi-generational family story to share? Call our podcast studio at 706-409-5603.