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

This episode will light up your life and keep you safe! Brad Custer from Custer Products joins DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn from the floor of the Midwest Tow Show in Mason Ohio

This episode will light up your life and keep you safe! Brad Custer from Custer Products joins DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn from the floor of the Midwest Tow Show in Mason Ohio

EP 83 Brad Custer from the Midwest TowShow

Devon Banks joins the podcast to talk about the benefits of using Haas Alert.

Devon Banks joins the podcast to talk about the benefits of using Haas Alert.

EP 82 Devon Banks from Haas Alerts

The 2nd of several interviews recorded from the floor of the Midwest Tow Show in Mason, Ohio. This interview features Michelle Sukow, owner and operator of HDM Towing and Truck Center out of Wisconsin.  One of the past Tow-Woman of the year.

The 2nd of several interviews recorded from the floor of the Midwest Tow Show in Mason, Ohio. This interview features Michelle Sukow, owner and operator of HDM Towing and Truck Center out of Wisconsin. One of the past Tow-Woman of the year.

The 2nd of several interviews recorded from the floor of the Midwest Tow Show in Mason, Ohio. This interview features Michelle Sukow, owner and operator of HDM Towing and Truck Center out of Wisconsin.&nbsp; One of the past Tow-Woman of the year.

EP 81 Live from the Midwest Tow Show with guest Michelle Sukow

Recorded live at the midwest tow show in Mason, Ohio, Daylan Zartman, DJ Harrington and Mike Faser join Wes Wilburn to discuss Electric Vehicles and the Tow Show

Recorded live at the midwest tow show in Mason, Ohio, Daylan Zartman, DJ Harrington and Mike Faser join Wes Wilburn to discuss Electric Vehicles and the Tow Show

EP 80 Live from the Midwest Tow Show

Bob Nelson and Richie Guttman fro Jerr-Dan are the guest. They discuss the company, safety and training in this episode

Bob Nelson and Richie Guttman fro Jerr-Dan are the guest. They discuss the company, safety and training in this episode

EP 79 Bob Nelson and Richie Guttman Jr. from Jerr-Dan are the guest

Rob Miller from Western Sling/All Grip joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to talk about Supply Rigging Products. Rob will also be at the Midwest Tow-Show in Mason Ohio September 22nd-25th

Rob Miller from Western Sling/All Grip joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to talk about Supply Rigging Products. Rob will also be at the Midwest Tow-Show in Mason Ohio September 22nd-25th

EP 78 Rob Miller from Western Sling/All-Grip

Mike from Tom's 24 Hour Towing in Elkhart, Indiana is the guest. DJ and Wes also discuss upcoming classes and the Ohio Tow show in September

Mike from Tom's 24 Hour Towing in Elkhart, Indiana is the guest. DJ and Wes also discuss upcoming classes and the Ohio Tow show in September

EP 77 Mike from Tom's 24 Hour Towing

Safety, Training Classes, and news of the industry is covered in this episode

Safety, Training Classes, and news of the industry is covered in this episode

EP 76 DJ & Wes Talk Towing

Johnny Grant, 82,  a lifelong veteran of the towing industry walks us through the history of various towing jobs and the evolution of the industry. Fascinating information

Johnny Grant, 82, a lifelong veteran of the towing industry walks us through the history of various towing jobs and the evolution of the industry. Fascinating information

Johnny Grant, 82,&nbsp; a lifelong veteran of the towing industry walks us through the history of various towing jobs and the evolution of the industry. Fascinating information

EP 75 Johnny Grant Part 2

Andrew Boeppler joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to discuss the upcoming training events as well as other important information about the industry

Andrew Boeppler joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to discuss the upcoming training events as well as other important information about the industry

EP 74 Andrew Boeppler from TRAO is the Guest

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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