Towing News Now

Ever wonder what it really takes to build an industry event that gives more than it takes? We sat down on the floor of the Tennessee Tow Show in Chattanooga with Brenda from Tow Times and Anthony from the Tennessee Tow Truck Association to unpack the moving parts, the purpose, and the payoffs you can’t see from a flyer. From an opening national anthem that shook the hall to a year-long planning cycle that starts the minute the lights go down, this is the story of a show built to lift towers, not just fill a hall.

We talk through the show’s “give back” DNA, why October dates matter for travel and weather, and how a true team effort—booth sales, banners, social, and on-site coordination—creates space for real training and real connections. Anthony shares the behind-the-scenes work of the association: funding a lobbyist, fighting for practical rules, and securing 13 amendments and nearly 19 revisions to a state motion act so towing companies can operate safely and profitably. That policy work ties directly to what happens on the floor: vendors demonstrating tech and tools, owners swapping pricing models and hiring tactics, and crews sharpening skills in light-duty, heavy-duty, rotator recovery and EV procedures.

We also dig into growth beyond the floor: the Towing and Recovery Management Summit, designed to help owners run their business instead of being run by it. Think leadership, finance, valuations, M&A timing, and smart tech like AI that can streamline billing, dispatch and communications. Along the way, you’ll hear personal paths—Brenda’s route from electroplating and barbering to event leadership, and Anthony’s journey from operations to association advocacy and music—that show how diverse skills make this industry stronger. If you want smarter training, better networking and a voice in the rules that shape your margins, this conversation is your map.

Want more like this? Follow the show, share it with your team, and leave a quick review so other towers can find us. Then mark your calendar for Chattanooga and the Denver Summit—see you there.

What if a single choice—choosing grace—could change the way we work the white line? We open with a raw reflection on public grief, forgiveness, and the quiet power of listening, then connect those values to the most practical lever we have: training that sticks under pressure. From youth engagement and more honest speech to concrete drills in brush-filled gravel pits, we explore how character and skill reinforce each other when the scene gets loud and the angles matter.

We welcome back owner-operator Michael Lard, who walks us through building an effective learning environment: partnering with a fire department for a professional classroom, then moving to field scenarios that mimic true recoveries—uneven ground, tall weeds, limited sightlines, and all. Michael explains why light-duty fundamentals scale to rotators and heavy-duty jobs, and why he often hires “green” talent to cultivate clean habits from day one. We get into the math beneath the muscle—rigging choices, load paths, and anchor strategies—while acknowledging the human side: humility beats bravado, and teachability can save a career.

There’s also a look at the ecosystem that makes operators better. Cross-training with fire teams tightens command handoffs and reduces chaos at scenes. Neighboring companies that cooperate during peak demand or holidays build resilience without sacrificing service. And yes—investing in classes and certifications for light, heavy, electric, and alternative-fuel vehicles pays off in fewer incidents, stronger retention, and a culture people want to join. We close with upcoming training dates and a reminder that your voice shapes this show: subscribe, share, and tell us who you want to hear next. If this conversation pushed you to rethink how you lead—or how you learn—drop a review and tag a teammate who should be in the next class.

What does it take to transform an entire industry through education? For Wes Wilburn, approaching his 1,000th towing and recovery training class, the answer lies in a philosophy borrowed from DJ Harrington C A N I – constant and never-ending improvement.

Since 1993, Wes has dedicated his life to elevating the towing profession through education that goes far beyond technical skills. As he shares his journey with hosts DJ Harrington and April Wilburn, we witness the evolution of an industry through the eyes of someone who has helped shape its modern practices. From the early days of basic recovery techniques to today's complex challenges with electric vehicles, Wes has adapted his teaching to ensure operators can safely handle whatever comes their way.

"My job in that classroom is not to tell people what to think," Wes explains. "My job is to give people things to think about they can take and apply in their own world." This approach has touched countless lives – many in ways that can never be measured. When operators apply proper techniques on dangerous roadways, they return home safely to their families, creating a ripple effect of positive impact.

The conversation also shines light on the industry's unsung heroes, particularly women leaders like Ruthie Landau and Gay Rochester who work tirelessly behind the scenes organizing events and fundraising. We learn about state associations that maintain injured drivers funds to support operators during times of need, highlighting the tight-knit community that defines this profession.

As Wes approaches his milestone 1,000th class, his mantra remains unchanged: "Develop from within so you never go without." Whether you're a seasoned recovery specialist or simply curious about the people who rescue you during roadside emergencies, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the heart and soul of an essential yet often overlooked industry. Subscribe now to join the over 20,000 listeners who make Towing News Now their trusted source for industry insights.

Discover the revolutionary approach that's transforming the towing industry as Megan Bruns, Marketing Director at Cardinal Legacy Towing Group, shares how putting people first has created an empire of 200+ vehicles and happy, committed employees.

The cornerstone of their success? Treating tow operators as the first responders they truly are. While many towing companies struggle with employee retention and satisfaction, Cardinal Legacy has implemented concrete, effective strategies that benefit everyone. By virtually eliminating on-call shifts, they've removed one of the industry's most challenging aspects, allowing drivers to maintain healthy work-life balance and plan family activities without interruption.

Every driver receives their own dedicated truck—a simple policy with profound effects on pride, maintenance, and operational efficiency. Clear career paths provide structured advancement from light duty to specialized recovery roles through comprehensive training programs. When consolidating with other towing operations, they maintain original company identities while enhancing employee benefits, preserving both business value and human connections.

"Teamwork makes the dream work" isn't just a catchphrase here; it's evident in their comprehensive benefits package, recognition programs, and community involvement. As Megan explains, drivers who might resist routine midnight calls will "throw their cape on" for significant incidents—enthusiasm that speaks volumes about their pride and ownership in their work.

The partnership between Cardinal Legacy and the American Towing Recovery Institute represents a shared vision for the industry's future: professional, people-centered, and progressive. For towing company owners seeking improved retention, operational excellence, and sustainable growth, this episode provides a masterclass in building an organization where both employees and customers thrive.

Ready to transform your towing operation? Listen now and discover how putting people first creates success for everyone involved.

Michael Lard brings a refreshing perspective to the towing industry as he shares his journey from growing up in a towing family to owning Tom's 24-Hour Towing in Elkhart, Indiana. This third-generation tower has transformed his operation into a 16-truck fleet equipped with specialized machinery for handling complex recoveries.

What truly stands out in our conversation is Michael's innovative approach to rigging techniques. Working collaboratively with industry experts, he's developed custom configurations using Omega links and container links that significantly improve safety margins while increasing efficiency. These creative solutions demonstrate how thoughtful engineering can transform standard recovery practices into something extraordinary.

Michael challenges one of the industry's most entrenched mindsets: "dad and grandpa did it this way." While respecting tradition, he makes a compelling case that continuous learning is essential as vehicle technology rapidly evolves. With modern vehicles featuring composite materials, aluminum components, and sophisticated electronics, yesterday's methods alone aren't enough for today's challenges. As Michael wisely puts it, "Old skills are good skills. They just should not be your only skills."

Perhaps most remarkable is Michael's commitment to community collaboration. Rather than viewing nearby companies solely as competitors, he regularly works with towers up to 50 miles away, sharing specialized equipment and expertise. This collaborative spirit extends to training events, where local companies contribute resources to support educational opportunities throughout the region. It's a powerful reminder that when towing professionals work together, everyone benefits.

Looking for training opportunities? Join us for the Light and Medium Duty class hosted by Michael in Elkhart on September 6-7, or check out our full schedule of specialized classes happening nationwide. Whether you're focused on electric vehicles, heavy recovery, or rotator operations, we have the training you need to excel in today's demanding environment. Call 910-747-9000 or visit amtowri.org to secure your spot and take your skills to the next level.

When the towing and trucking industries seem locked in an endless cycle of misunderstanding and tension, one Kentucky couple has found a remarkable way to change the conversation – by taking their 50-ton rotator to major truck shows across America.

Clifton and Joyce Parsley of Crossroads Towing are on a mission to transform how the trucking community views the towing industry. What began as simply displaying their wrecker with an American flag at the Atlanta Motor Speedway has evolved into a nationwide campaign of goodwill that's winning trophies, changing perceptions, and building bridges between industries that desperately need better relationships.

"We didn't know what kind of response we would get from taking a rotator wrecker to a trucking show, but it has really been positive," explains Clifton. With their impressive 6x10 American flag illuminated at night by boom lights, they've created a display that draws crowds, sparks conversations, and gives them the opportunity to educate truckers about the realities of the towing business beyond what they see on reality TV.

Their story gained even greater depth when Joyce, a registered nurse, was thrust into running the entire business during Clifton's two-month hospitalization with COVID-19. "I knew he was coming home, so I was going to keep his dream alive," she shares. This experience gave her invaluable insights into operations, regulations, and the day-to-day challenges of running a towing company.

From participating in Christmas parades with the Grinch on their hook to connecting with veterans who appreciate their patriotic display, the Parsleys demonstrate how community engagement can transform industry relationships. Their advice to fellow towers? Get involved locally, attend both towing and trucking shows, and pursue ongoing education through industry certifications.

Join us at the International Towing Museum in Chattanooga on October 9th for a live podcast recording where you can meet industry leaders working to strengthen connections between these essential transportation services. Together, we can change perceptions one conversation at a time.

When Briar Roberts started reading towing-themed books to his young children, something unexpected happened – he got mad. As an experienced tow truck operator, the technical inaccuracies in these stories were glaring. Hooks attached to plastic bumpers? Cables through windows? This wasn't the profession he knew and loved.

What began as bedtime frustration transformed into inspiration when his wife suggested a simple solution: "Why don't you write one?" So, Roberts penned what would become "Chuck the Little Tow Truck," a children's book that finally represents the towing industry with technical accuracy while delivering heartwarming messages about perseverance, mentorship, and safety.

During this captivating conversation with hosts DJ Harrington, April and Wes Wilburn, Roberts reveals the surprisingly swift writing process  and the more challenging journey through illustration and self-publishing. Working with South American illustrator Eduardo Posh, Roberts meticulously ensured every visual detail accurately reflected proper towing techniques – from correct vehicle recovery positions to the inclusion of specialized equipment like spreader bars and snatch blocks.

Beyond technical precision, "Chuck the Little Tow Truck" embeds critical safety messaging about slowing down and moving over for roadside workers – education that could potentially save lives by reaching children and parents simultaneously. The story itself follows a small tow truck with big dreams, teaching valuable lessons about knowing your capabilities and recognizing when to ask for help.

Now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart, this first installment in a planned series represents more than just a children's book – it's an industry veteran's contribution to accurate representation and safety education. For towers who visit schools with their trucks or want to share their profession with the next generation, Roberts has created the perfect companion piece that respects and celebrates the skilled work of towing professionals.

Ready to support this industry-changing project? Visit your preferred bookseller to purchase "Chuck the Little Tow Truck" today, or contact Roberts directly at [email protected] to arrange bulk orders for schools, events, or industry promotion.

The mental health crisis claiming America's youth has reached epidemic proportions, and it's happening in families from all backgrounds. Our recent podcast delves into this growing tragedy that's claiming lives through addiction, overdoses, and suicide at an alarming rate.

We explore how even "good families" with strong support systems are losing young people to these devastating outcomes. The conversation reveals how COVID isolation accelerated the crisis by depriving developing minds of crucial socialization opportunities that build coping mechanisms and resilience.

The fentanyl epidemic emerges as a central villain in this story. This synthetic opioid, frequently used to lace other substances, makes drugs exponentially more dangerous – as evidenced by the heartbreaking story of seven West Point cadets who died after taking what they believed was Tylenol. Today's drugs are significantly more potent than previous generations, creating deadly situations even for first-time or casual users.

Perhaps most troubling is how we respond as communities. When families lose someone to addiction or suicide, they often face ostracism rather than compassion. Some communities turn away from these families at their time of greatest need, while others simply "put their heads in the sand," unable to confront the reality that such tragedies could happen to anyone.

The most powerful takeaway is a call to action: if you see someone struggling, reach out without judgment. The people who appear to be doing well might be fighting the hardest battles behind closed doors. A simple act of kindness could make all the difference. Don't be afraid to tell people you love them, give them a hug, and be there when they need support.

Join us as we examine this critical issue affecting communities nationwide and discuss how compassion might be our most powerful tool in addressing America's youth mental health crisis. 

This episode ends with Industry News, stay informed with Towing News Now

What happens when an outsider questions everything about how the towing industry has "always done things"? You get revolutionary ideas like the Price Per Pound recovery pricing system. Norman "Stormin'" Horton joins the podcast to share how he transformed recovery pricing over 30 years ago with a concept that remains relevant—and controversial—today.

Norman walks us through his journey from garage mechanic to successful towing business owner who built and eventually sold a company with 16 trucks and 25 employees. His fresh perspective challenged industry norms and led to breakthrough insights about what towers are really selling: not tow trucks or equipment, but peace of mind.

The heart of our conversation explores the Price Per Pound system—how it works, why it was developed, and common misconceptions. Norman explains how the system functions like a mechanic's flat-rate book, with base rates determined by vehicle weight plus add-ons for complexity factors. This approach gives customers pricing certainty while ensuring towers are fairly compensated for their expertise, regardless of how efficiently they complete recoveries.

Beyond pricing, Norman shares profound wisdom about building a true business rather than creating a job you can never escape. "If you built something you can't leave, you built nothing," he tells us—a powerful reminder for any towing entrepreneur caught in the 24/7 demands of the industry. His emphasis on proper delegation, consistent branding, and customer-focused operations provides a masterclass in towing business management.

Now raising German Shepherds (many serving veterans with PTSD) and advocating for stronger move-over laws, Norman continues to make a difference. His John Hubbard Move Over Act in Alabama demonstrates his ongoing commitment to an industry where professionals deserve respect and protection. Listen for insights that might forever change how you view your towing business.

Imagine a towing world where recovery equipment is 85% lighter yet stronger than traditional steel cables, and where safety hazards like deadly cable recoil become a thing of the past. That future is already here, as this eye-opening conversation with Johnny Sun and Adam Osterloo from Tow Tools reveals.

Johnny's journey into the towing equipment industry began with a story straight out of a thriller novel—being monitored by the US Embassy while unknowingly meeting with Japanese mafia members who operated towing companies. This unexpected introduction ultimately led to his founding of Tow Tools, now a leading manufacturer of synthetic recovery equipment that's revolutionizing the industry.

At the heart of Tow Tools' offerings are their Super Slings and soft shackles made from Honeywell Spectra—the same ultra-strong material used in bulletproof vests and high-performance marine applications. The technical advantages are substantial: these synthetic alternatives provide equal or greater breaking strength than steel while dramatically reducing weight and eliminating the dangerous recoil effect that has caused countless injuries when steel cables fail under tension.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when exploring the practical applications of these synthetic solutions. Their soft shackles are thoughtfully designed with longer-than-standard lengths to make real-world hookups easier, while their synthetic winch lines offer profound safety improvements. As Adam notes, "The big push that should exist to go to synthetic rope is really based on the safety of the operator and safety of anybody else on scene."

For those hesitant to make a complete transition from traditional equipment, Tow Tools offers synthetic winch line extensions as an entry point—allowing operators to experience the benefits firsthand before committing to a full conversion. The consensus among experienced users is clear: once you've worked with these synthetic alternatives, you'll recognize their value extends far beyond the initial price tag.

Ready to explore how synthetic recovery equipment could transform your operations? Visit TowingEquipmentDirect.com to see their full range of Tow Tools products, or call 910-747-9000 to speak with April Wilburn and her team about finding the right solutions for your specific needs.