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.

Curious about how the towing industry is navigating shifting technologies and challenging insurance companies? On this episode of the American Towing Recovery Institute Podcast, DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn share their memorable Fourth of July experiences before diving into pressing industry concerns. Tom Luciano weighs in on the hefty towing bills and non-compliant insurance companies that towers are grappling with today. We also offer a sneak peek into DJ's inspiring work with Tunnel to Towers, an organization dedicated to providing homes for homeless veterans, including an exciting new initiative in Atlanta.

Relive the buzz of the recent Florida show through Tommy’s eyes, where despite being sidelined from seminar duties, he enjoyed the event's relaxed pace and the vibrant atmosphere at Miller Industries' booth. The discussion transitions to industry trends, focusing on the shift from manual to fly-by-wire hydraulic systems and the supply chain hiccups affecting chassis deliveries. With an eye on the future, we chat about the increasing role of video content in training the newer generation of tow operators.

Get a global perspective as we tackle the complexities of international military towing, from handling heavier vehicles to the logistics of realistic recovery training. We also share heartwarming stories about our community’s efforts to support young anglers by refurbishing and donating fishing gear. Wrapping up the episode, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our listeners and express our gratitude for the support of the towing community. Join us for an insightful and engaging conversation that promises to keep you informed and inspired.

Unlock the secrets to staying safe and competitive in the towing and recovery industry with insights from veteran Wes Wilburn. In this episode of the American Towing Recovery Institute podcast, we explore the vital importance of continuous education and collaboration among towing professionals. Wes shares his firsthand experience from a recent training class in Virginia and highlights exciting upcoming opportunities, including a free electric vehicle class in South Carolina and an innovative train car recovery class in Illinois. Together, we emphasize how ongoing training and vigilance are key to ensuring the safety of our industry's professionals.

Join us as we dive into the vital advocacy efforts transforming the towing industry. Learn how the Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA) is building strategic relationships with federal agencies to tackle complex industry challenges. With insights from Bill Johnson, we discuss the importance of accurate data, informed discussions, and state-level regulation to advance industry standards. Discover how TRAA's advocacy and top-quality equipment solutions from Towing Equipment Direct can help towing companies stay competitive and compliant with advanced technology. This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to excellence in towing and recovery.