American Towing and Recovery Institute onThe Go

Ever wondered how towing companies are revolutionizing their operations or how strategic mergers can double a business's footprint? Tune in to hear the latest developments from the frontlines of the towing and recovery industry. We kick off with an in-depth look at the recent training sessions that took us to Rhode Island and highlight some upcoming events, including the Midwest Regional Tow Show in Ohio. From specialized electric vehicle classes to heavy-duty towing training, we discuss the importance of continual education and community support, emphasizing initiatives like the Wounded Driver Fund and cross-training with fire departments.

In our second segment, we dissect the transformative merger between Henry's and Roadrunner in the Washington DC metro area. Learn how syncing GPS and dispatch software through Traxo has led to unparalleled operational efficiency. We also dive into the nuanced world of financial partnerships, contrasting the benefits of family fund investments with private equity. Hear why family funds often provide more robust long-term support, allowing business owners to retain their operational expertise while pursuing strategic growth.

Lastly, we tackle the often complex topic of towing fees and operational best practices. Discover why a flat rate system could be a game-changer for both consumers and towing companies, reducing disputes and ensuring fair pricing. Police-authorized towing contracts in Northern Virginia are highlighted as a model of success. We also explore the legal strategies for recovering costs and the importance of detailed documentation. Wrapping up, we discuss the ethical principles that can benefit every employee and secure generational wealth, offering opportunities for consolidators to collaborate and grow together.

Unlock the secrets to mastering the towing industry's toughest challenges with insights from seasoned experts and industry veterans. Join us as we kick off the episode celebrating Wes Wilburn's remarkable milestone of leading his 940th training class and share valuable feedback from our listeners. As we transition from a bustling summer into a packed fall training schedule, we highlight key events such as the Midwest Regional Tow Show and North Carolina Tow Expo, along with upcoming classes in Rhode Island, Virginia, Tennessee, Oregon, and Indiana. This episode is brimming with details on our comprehensive training offerings, covering vital skills like electric vehicle training and heavy-duty towing.

Get ready for an enlightening discussion with Mike Lard from Tom's 24-Hour Towing in Elkhart, Indiana. Mike takes us through the journey of his company's growth in recovery and transportation services, shedding light on the intricacies of navigating insurance claims. He recounts a compelling case involving a burned load of milk and shares the invaluable strategies he acquired during a Baltimore class to ensure payment from insurance companies. This segment provides a transparent look at the operational and financial hurdles in the towing industry, offering practical solutions for overcoming them.

The spotlight then shifts to the Maggio brothers and their exemplary operation characterized by a well-organized and ready-to-deploy equipment setup. We emphasize the critical importance of equipment preparedness, enhancing efficiency, safety, and minimizing traffic disruptions during recovery operations. The conversation further explores the benefits of networking and continuous learning from industry peers through specialized classes. We conclude with a powerful discussion on maintaining high standards and integrity within the towing industry, featuring Michael's insights on perfecting business practices and staying true to oneself and customers. Tune in for an episode that promises to equip you with valuable takeaways for elevating your towing business.

This is a replay, we are honoring Johnny by sharing his remarkable story
RIP Johnny Grant

What if you could step into the shoes of a towing industry pioneer? Get ready to hear from Johnny Grant, a retired veteran whose career in the towing industry spans over several decades. Starting from his work at a service station in 1955, Johnny operated a variety of wreckers such as the Manley mounted on a Jeep and the Holmes 525. You'll hear firsthand accounts of the challenges and techniques used in those early days, from V-bars and chains to more advanced methods. Johnny also shares his experiences at Morningside Motors and reflects on the industry's evolution before his military draft. 

As Johnny takes us through his post-Army return in 1965, you'll discover how he transitioned from sanding trucks to a significant role in the advertising department following a tragic loss. Johnny's stories shine a light on the changing landscape of towing equipment and practices, including a resurgence in classic tow truck designs. Finally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our loyal listeners and exceptional podcast team, acknowledging the collaborative spirit that fuels each episode. Join us for this nostalgic and informative journey through the rich history of the towing industry.

Johnny Grant recently passed away, we honor him with a replay of this episode

Join us as we sit down with Johnny Grant, an industry legend whose career spans several decades and whose stories are nothing short of inspiring. From a memorable trip with Ernest Holmes Sr. to his own adventures in the late 1950s, Johnny offers an authentic glimpse into the past, illustrating the ingenuity and resilience that have shaped the towing industry. You won't want to miss his fascinating tales of early towing challenges and the evolution of equipment, especially the Holmes' 850 wrecker. It's a history lesson and a testament to the spirit of those who paved the way.

But that's not all—Johnny's personal journey is just as riveting. From experiencing homelessness to rising through the ranks of notable companies like Century and Miller Industries, Johnny's story is one of incredible determination and success. We'll explore his early days on the job and the significant transitions he underwent throughout his career. His willingness to share these moments with us makes for a truly engaging episode, and we can't wait to welcome him back for more. Join us for a captivating conversation that's both educational and inspirational.

Johnny Grant recently passed away. We honor him with a replay of this episode.

Have you ever wondered how to beat the heat and stay safe while working in the towing and recovery industry during the scorching summer months? Learn crucial summertime safety and well-being tips from our hosts DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn, as they share insightful advice on staying hydrated, the benefits of taking breaks, and even how to avoid pesky poison ivy with Fels-Naptha soap. DJ gives a personal recount of his own overheating experience and how drinking Gatorade helped him recover, while Wes emphasizes the importance of recharging with family to ensure a safe return home every night.

We’re thrilled to welcome Johnny Grant, a seasoned veteran with over eight decades of wisdom in the towing industry, as our special guest. Johnny takes us on an enthralling journey through the history and evolution of towing, sharing captivating family stories and fascinating technical advancements from the early automotive recovery days. Stay tuned as we highlight upcoming industry events like the Indiana Tow Show, the Cincinnati heavy-duty towing class, and discuss the benefits of the National Tow Operator Certification Program. Don't miss out on this episode brimming with invaluable knowledge, heartwarming stories, and essential safety reminders.

Ever wondered how a towing business thrives in a small town or how to leverage social media for business growth? Our latest episode promises to equip you with insights straight from industry veterans. Start with a warm welcome from DJ Harrington and dive into the remarkable journey of our co-host Wes Wilburn, a seasoned expert with 40 years in towing. We celebrate a significant milestone—over 150 episodes and 15,000 loyal subscribers—and share personal stories from the recent hurricane. Plus, get the lowdown on upcoming training events across the country that you won’t want to miss.

Travel with us to Lynchburg, Virginia, where we uncover the secrets behind running a successful towing business in a town of 80,000 people. Learn how a strong, loyal team and community involvement can make all the difference. Kevin Jennings from Bee-Line Towing is the guest. Discover the critical role of fair pricing and promises kept, and gain actionable tips on harnessing the power of social media for marketing and customer engagement. Whether you're in the towing industry or simply looking for business wisdom, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and heartwarming stories.

Ever wondered how industry veterans manage to stay on top of their game? Join us as we unveil the secrets behind Wes Wilburn's jam-packed fall schedule, featuring training sessions and appearances from Rhode Island to Tennessee. Not only will you get an insider look at these invaluable opportunities, but you'll also hear about Wes's personal adventure to Niagara Falls and the exciting advanced-level classes planned with Tom Luciano for the upcoming year.

Bruce Bender, the administrator for the Towing and Recovery Association of Ohio, takes us on his unique journey from retail management to becoming a key figure in the towing industry. Discover the pivotal role that the Towing and Recovery Association of Ohio plays, from advocacy efforts and political engagements to crucial support systems like the injured drivers fund. We also celebrate a major victory for the towing community with the passage of Senate Bill 94, highlighting the power of collaboration and communication within the industry.

Get ready for a thrilling preview of the Midwest Regional Tow Show, packed with special events that honor fallen towers and raise awareness about the "slow down, move over" law. From family-friendly campground amenities to fun-filled activities like Texas Hold'em and karaoke, this event promises something for everyone. We wrap up by expressing our heartfelt gratitude to our listeners and special guests, encouraging everyone to stay connected and share the word about our podcast. Don't miss this episode filled with insights, celebrations, and community spirit!

Can the towing industry survive without serious regulatory and financial reform? Join us as we uncover the critical challenges facing tow operators today, including the alarming rates of non-payment from insurance companies and clients, with some businesses reporting up to 60% of towing jobs going unpaid. With insights from industry experts like Wes Wilburn, JT Reeves, and Tommy Luciano, we explore the complexities of law enforcement towing, the negative impact of perceived predatory practices, and the urgent need for collaboration with trucking and insurance organizations to find sustainable solutions.

Get prepared for a host of upcoming training events and boot camps, expertly designed to elevate your towing skills. From light-duty to heavy-duty towing, and specialized sessions in heavy winching and tank vehicle recovery, our detailed overview includes must-attend events led by industry veterans like Wes Wilburn, JT Reeves, and Tommy Luciano. We also highlight pivotal training sessions focusing on electric vehicles and cross-training for firefighters and towing operators, spanning locations from Rhode Island to South Carolina. These sessions are crucial for staying ahead in an ever-evolving industry.

The episode also emphasizes the importance of advocacy and grassroots support to protect the towing industry's future. Hear about the tireless efforts of our coalition members who, often unpaid, dedicate their time and resources to lobbying for fair regulations. Discover the critical role of the National Open Commerce Safer Highways Coalition (NOCH) and the necessity of presenting concrete evidence to policymakers. We stress the need for unity and financial contributions to bolster these advocacy efforts, ensuring the industry's resilience against regulatory overreach and underinsurance issues, especially highlighted by the heroic efforts of towing companies during hurricanes in the Carolinas.

What if the key to transforming the towing industry lies in the power of community and effective training? In this episode, we celebrate the recent successful training and recovery class in Rockford, Illinois, where 40 passionate students from all over the country came together to learn and network. We also reflect on the significance of surpassing 15,000 podcast listeners and the positive feedback we've been receiving at industry shows. Stay tuned for exciting updates on our upcoming training sessions in Rhode Island, Virginia, and Oregon, as we continue our unwavering commitment to education and safety.

This episode also shines a light on the often overlooked, yet critical, role of state towing associations and their tireless volunteers. Meet Matt Gableson, who shares his inspiring journey from inheriting Gabelson Truck Repair and Towing to becoming a key figure in the Missouri Tow Truck Association. Matt discusses the importance of TIMS (Traffic Incident Management Systems) training and his unique perspective as both a tower and volunteer firefighter. We explore the association's growth, overcoming initial rejections, embracing modern communication tools like Zoom, and legislative advocacy dedicated to the industry's interests. Join us and get an inside look at how dedicated individuals are working to shape a safer and more connected towing community.

How are recent changes in the towing industry affecting your business? Discover the latest insights and innovations from leaders in the field in this information-packed episode of the American Towing Recovery Institute Podcast! DJ Harrington, the Tow Doctor, and Wes Wilburn dive into the latest developments in tow operator certification, especially focusing on electric vehicles. Tune in to hear about our upcoming training sessions in Rockford, Illinois, and Lynchburg, Virginia, and get the scoop on a new electric vehicle app that's set to revolutionize the way we work.

We're thrilled to welcome Jared Varnado of Varnado and Sons, sharing the remarkable story of his third-generation family business and his impactful role as President of the Towing and Recovery Professionals of Louisiana (TRPL). Jared offers invaluable insights on recent training events and legislative changes in Louisiana, while also discussing the digitization of educational content on platforms like YouTube. Learn how family businesses can thrive in today’s challenging environment and the importance of staying connected with industry associations.

Feeling overwhelmed by tow truck regulations and emergency tariff raises? Gary joins us to break down these complex issues, from implementing emergency tariff raises to navigating weight regulations and federal exemptions. We round out the episode with a heartfelt discussion on the importance of safety in our industry, ensuring everyone returns home to their loved ones. Stay informed and inspired with the American Towing Recovery Institute Podcast, where we bring you the latest news, best practices, and heartfelt stories from the world of towing and recovery.