The towing and recovery industry doesn’t get a fair shake when the people writing policy don’t understand what it’s like to work inches from live traffic, manage scene safety, and still fight to get paid. We sit down with Bruce Bender, Executive Director of the Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA), to talk about the most practical way to change that: TRAA’s Legislative Action Workshop and Hill Day in Washington, DC. Bruce walks us through how Hill Day works, why the meetings matter, and why staffers are often the real gatekeepers to progress. We dig into the issues TRAA is taking to the Hill right now, including roadside safety for tow operators, insurance and reimbursement pressures, weights and measures concerns, and the growing need for clear standards around EV fire response and remediation. If you’ve ever felt like “politics isn’t for me,” this conversation breaks that myth by explaining how attendees get prepped, given talking points, and supported through a packed day of appointments. We also cover the real-world logistics: Hill Day runs February 23 and 24, with the host hotel at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, DC, plus ideas for making the trip work for families who rarely get time away. Whether you’re a member or not, Bruce’s message is simple: your voice matters, and the industry is stronger when we show up together. Subscribe for more towing industry interviews and news, share this episode with a tower who needs to hear it, and leave a review so more operators can find the show.

The towing and recovery industry doesn’t get a fair shake when the people writing policy don’t understand what it’s like to work inches from live traffic, manage scene safety, and still fight to get paid. We sit down with Bruce Bender, Executive Director of the Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA), to talk about the most practical way to change that: TRAA’s Legislative Action Workshop and Hill Day in Washington, DC. Bruce walks us through how Hill Day works, why the meetings matter, and why staffers are often the real gatekeepers to progress. We dig into the issues TRAA is taking to the Hill right now, including roadside safety for tow operators, insurance and reimbursement pressures, weights and measures concerns, and the growing need for clear standards around EV fire response and remediation. If you’ve ever felt like “politics isn’t for me,” this conversation breaks that myth by explaining how attendees get prepped, given talking points, and supported through a packed day of appointments. We also cover the real-world logistics: Hill Day runs February 23 and 24, with the host hotel at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, DC, plus ideas for making the trip work for families who rarely get time away. Whether you’re a member or not, Bruce’s message is simple: your voice matters, and the industry is stronger when we show up together. Subscribe for more towing industry interviews and news, share this episode with a tower who needs to hear it, and leave a review so more operators can find the show.

The towing and recovery industry doesn’t get a fair shake when the people writing policy don’t understand what it’s like to work inches from live traffic, manage scene safety, and still fight to get paid. We sit down with Bruce Bender, Executive Director of the Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA), to talk about the most practical way to change that: TRAA’s Legislative Action Workshop and Hill Day in Washington, DC. Bruce walks us through how Hill Day works, why the meetings matter, and why staffers are often the real gatekeepers to progress. We dig into the issues TRAA is taking to the Hill right now, including roadside safety for tow operators, insurance and reimbursement pressures, weights and measures concerns, and the growing need for clear standards around EV fire response and remediation. If you’ve ever felt like “politics isn’t for me,” this conversation breaks that myth by explaining how attendees get prepped, given talking points, and supported through a packed day of appointments. We also cover the real-world logistics: Hill Day runs February 23 and 24, with the host hotel at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, DC, plus ideas for making the trip work for families who rarely get time away. Whether you’re a member or not, Bruce’s message is simple: your voice matters, and the industry is stronger when we show up together. Subscribe for more towing industry interviews and news, share this episode with a tower who needs to hear it, and leave a review so more operators can find the show.

How Tow Operators Can Influence DC Decisions

Private property impound towing is one of the most misunderstood parts of the towing and recovery industry, and the stakes are higher than most people realize. When parking is scarce, a single unauthorized car can block a paying tenant’s reserved spot, trap a business owner behind a bay door, or push residents into risky overflow parking that leads to even more conflict. We want parking enforcement to be fair, defensible, and safe, and that starts with being crystal clear about the “why” behind every tow. We sit down with Jason Harris of Henry’s Record Service in Northern Virginia, part of Valor Fleet Service, to talk about what professional trespass towing looks like at scale. Jason shares how he approaches private property impounds as customer service first: understanding what a property owner, condo board, or manager actually needs, then delivering it with accountability, service, and transparency. We also get into the hard parts, including angry customers on scene, de-escalation tactics, retreat-first safety policies, and why the purpose of towing should be to solve the parking problem rather than punish someone. From there, we go practical: signage requirements that prevent “trap” accusations, regulated drop and release fees, and the documentation that protects everyone. Jason explains why timestamped pre-tow photos, VIN and plate verification, and matching drop photos cut down on damage claims and wrong-vehicle errors. We also explore modern parking enforcement technology like digital parking permits and license plate recognition, plus safety systems that reduce distracted driving and accidents. If you run a towing company, manage an impound lot, or work with property managers, you’ll walk away with real steps to tighten your process and lower liability. Subscribe for more towing industry interviews, share this episode with a fellow operator, and leave a review so more towers can find the show. What’s the biggest challenge you see with private property impounds where you live?

Private property impound towing is one of the most misunderstood parts of the towing and recovery industry, and the stakes are higher than most people realize. When parking is scarce, a single unauthorized car can block a paying tenant’s reserved spot, trap a business owner behind a bay door, or push residents into risky overflow parking that leads to even more conflict. We want parking enforcement to be fair, defensible, and safe, and that starts with being crystal clear about the “why” behind every tow. We sit down with Jason Harris of Henry’s Record Service in Northern Virginia, part of Valor Fleet Service, to talk about what professional trespass towing looks like at scale. Jason shares how he approaches private property impounds as customer service first: understanding what a property owner, condo board, or manager actually needs, then delivering it with accountability, service, and transparency. We also get into the hard parts, including angry customers on scene, de-escalation tactics, retreat-first safety policies, and why the purpose of towing should be to solve the parking problem rather than punish someone. From there, we go practical: signage requirements that prevent “trap” accusations, regulated drop and release fees, and the documentation that protects everyone. Jason explains why timestamped pre-tow photos, VIN and plate verification, and matching drop photos cut down on damage claims and wrong-vehicle errors. We also explore modern parking enforcement technology like digital parking permits and license plate recognition, plus safety systems that reduce distracted driving and accidents. If you run a towing company, manage an impound lot, or work with property managers, you’ll walk away with real steps to tighten your process and lower liability. Subscribe for more towing industry interviews, share this episode with a fellow operator, and leave a review so more towers can find the show. What’s the biggest challenge you see with private property impounds where you live?

Private property impound towing is one of the most misunderstood parts of the towing and recovery industry, and the stakes are higher than most people realize. When parking is scarce, a single unauthorized car can block a paying tenant’s reserved spot, trap a business owner behind a bay door, or push residents into risky overflow parking that leads to even more conflict. We want parking enforcement to be fair, defensible, and safe, and that starts with being crystal clear about the “why” behind every tow. We sit down with Jason Harris of Henry’s Record Service in Northern Virginia, part of Valor Fleet Service, to talk about what professional trespass towing looks like at scale. Jason shares how he approaches private property impounds as customer service first: understanding what a property owner, condo board, or manager actually needs, then delivering it with accountability, service, and transparency. We also get into the hard parts, including angry customers on scene, de-escalation tactics, retreat-first safety policies, and why the purpose of towing should be to solve the parking problem rather than punish someone. From there, we go practical: signage requirements that prevent “trap” accusations, regulated drop and release fees, and the documentation that protects everyone. Jason explains why timestamped pre-tow photos, VIN and plate verification, and matching drop photos cut down on damage claims and wrong-vehicle errors. We also explore modern parking enforcement technology like digital parking permits and license plate recognition, plus safety systems that reduce distracted driving and accidents. If you run a towing company, manage an impound lot, or work with property managers, you’ll walk away with real steps to tighten your process and lower liability. Subscribe for more towing industry interviews, share this episode with a fellow operator, and leave a review so more towers can find the show. What’s the biggest challenge you see with private property impounds where you live?

Private Property Impound Done Right

Joe Gagne joins DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn to talk about the Towing Industry, Electric Vehicle Training and much more

Joe Gagne joins DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn to talk about the Towing Industry, Electric Vehicle Training and much more

EP 64 Joey Gagne of Abrams Towing from Toronto Canada is the guest

Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington talk about what towers across the country are doing to save money at the pump. April Wilburn, in house Producer and Wife of Wes joins to share ideas.

Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington talk about what towers across the country are doing to save money at the pump. April Wilburn, in house Producer and Wife of Wes joins to share ideas.

EP 63 SPECIAL EDITION The Cost of Fuel and tips to Save at the Pump

Dennis Richards joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to talk about the Florida Tow Show and the latest developments in the Towing Industry

Dennis Richards joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to talk about the Florida Tow Show and the latest developments in the Towing Industry

EP 62 Dennis Richards and The Florida Tow Show

Bob Gorman Joins Wes Wilburn to talk about training and the upcoming ESTRA show

Bob Gorman Joins Wes Wilburn to talk about training and the upcoming ESTRA show

EP 61 Bob Gorman, President of Empire State Towing and Recovery Association

Paul Stephens from BA Products joins Wes and DJ

Paul Stephens from BA Products joins Wes and DJ

EP 60 Paul Stephens from BA Products

Brian and Brianna from Rinwalske Towing out of El Mira New York are the guest they talk  about the upcoming training classes and the history of Rinwalske Towing.

Brian and Brianna from Rinwalske Towing out of El Mira New York are the guest they talk about the upcoming training classes and the history of Rinwalske Towing.

Brian and Brianna from Rinwalske Towing out of El Mira New York are the guest they talk&nbsp; about the upcoming training classes and the history of Rinwalske Towing.

EP 59 Brian and Brianna from Rinwalske Towing are the guest

Wes Wilburn stops into the Podcast Studio on his way to Opelika, AL for training. DJ and Wes discuss many important informational and educational topics

Wes Wilburn stops into the Podcast Studio on his way to Opelika, AL for training. DJ and Wes discuss many important informational and educational topics

EP 58 Wes Wilburn, Live in the Studio

DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn talk about training and the upcoming classes scheduled across the country

DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn talk about training and the upcoming classes scheduled across the country

EP 57 Training is Discussed

Father/Son team, Paul and Hunter Stephens discuss Electric Vehicles. They also discuss this past winters snow storm and how they participated in the clearing of the highways

Father/Son team, Paul and Hunter Stephens discuss Electric Vehicles. They also discuss this past winters snow storm and how they participated in the clearing of the highways

EP 56 Part 2 Paul and Hunter Stephens

Paul and Hunter Stephens from Coleman Motor Company , join Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington

Paul and Hunter Stephens from Coleman Motor Company , join Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington

Ep 55 Paul and Hunter Stephens are the guests

Each week Wes Wilburn talks about the towing industry. In every episode Wes talks about the important events and latest information. Keep up to date with the latest newws stories in the towing industry.

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Each week Wes Wilburn talks about the towing industry. In every episode Wes talks about the important events and latest information. Keep up to date with the latest newws stories in the towing industry.

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