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

Kevin Goodyear Joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to discuss the Towing Industry and the Ethics involved in running a profitable Towing Business

Kevin Goodyear Joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to discuss the Towing Industry and the Ethics involved in running a profitable Towing Business

EP 93 Kevin Goodyear is the Guest

Wes and DJ talk with Fred from Henry's about the importance of joining your local towing  association.

Wes and DJ talk with Fred from Henry's about the importance of joining your local towing association.

Wes and DJ talk with Fred from Henry's about the importance of joining your local towing&nbsp; association.

EP 92 Fred from Henry's is the Guest

Stormin Norman returns for part 2 to clarify the points of price per LB

Stormin Norman returns for part 2 to clarify the points of price per LB

EP 91 Stormin Norman Part 2

Stormin Norman Horton joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to discuss charging by the LB. This is the first of 2 episodes, listen and contact Wes for your input on Episode 2

Stormin Norman Horton joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to discuss charging by the LB. This is the first of 2 episodes, listen and contact Wes for your input on Episode 2

EP 90 Stormin Norman Horton is the Guest

DJ Harrington and his wife Sheila K Harington join Wes Wilburn to share the message of Christmas

DJ Harrington and his wife Sheila K Harington join Wes Wilburn to share the message of Christmas

EP 89 The Christmas Special

Michael Laird joins Wwes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to discuss training and safety in the Towing Industry

Michael Laird joins Wwes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to discuss training and safety in the Towing Industry

EP 88 Michael Laird from Tom's 24 Hour Towing is the Guest

Join Mike and Lainey Phillips as the chat with Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington about the growing a successful Towing Company and the importance of training in the Industry

Join Mike and Lainey Phillips as the chat with Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington about the growing a successful Towing Company and the importance of training in the Industry

EP 87 Mike and Lainey Phillips from All American TowingTX

What you need to know about quality Insurance from Dale Peeler.  DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn dive into the insurance business in this informative episode

What you need to know about quality Insurance from Dale Peeler. DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn dive into the insurance business in this informative episode

What you need to know about quality Insurance from Dale Peeler. &nbsp;DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn dive into the insurance business in this informative episode

EP 86 Dale Peeler from Central Carolina Insurance

Sheila Harrington, wife of DJ Harrington shares fascinating facts about the origin of Thanksgiving. Listen and Learn! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Sheila Harrington, wife of DJ Harrington shares fascinating facts about the origin of Thanksgiving. Listen and Learn! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Sheila Harrington, wife of DJ Harrington shares fascinating facts about the origin of Thanksgiving. Listen and Learn! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

EP 85 Commercial Free Thanksgiving Special !

James Mericle from Mericle Towing out of Shreveport, LA. Talks about the family of towing and what it takes to run a successful business. Treat your employees right!

James Mericle from Mericle Towing out of Shreveport, LA. Talks about the family of towing and what it takes to run a successful business. Treat your employees right!

EP 84 James Mericle from Mericle Towing is the Guest, Midwest Tow Show

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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