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

Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington talk industry news

Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington talk industry news

Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington talk industry news&nbsp;

Episode 45, Wes and DJ share Industry News

DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn talk about Toys for Tots and events to help build good relations with your community all through the year

DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn talk about Toys for Tots and events to help build good relations with your community all through the year

American Towing and Recovery Talks Toys for Tots

Wes Wilburn talks about industry news and events with DJ Harrington.  What is "Private Training"? Toys for Tots, Wes encourages all to participate in giving to the less fortunate. We welcome new sponsor Henry's Wrecker to this episode

Wes Wilburn talks about industry news and events with DJ Harrington. What is "Private Training"? Toys for Tots, Wes encourages all to participate in giving to the less fortunate. We welcome new sponsor Henry's Wrecker to this episode

Wes Wilburn talks about industry news and events with DJ Harrington.&nbsp; What is "Private Training"? Toys for Tots, Wes encourages all to participate in giving to the less fortunate. We welcome new sponsor Henry's Wrecker to this episode

What is Private Training

Brian Riker, Your DOT Guy, is the guest, he talks about safety tips from the beginning of a call to the arrival. DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn host this informative episode

Brian Riker, Your DOT Guy, is the guest, he talks about safety tips from the beginning of a call to the arrival. DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn host this informative episode

Brian Riker, Your DOT Guy, is the guest, he talks about safety tips from the beginning of a call to the arrival. DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn host this informative episode

Your DOT Guy Brian Riker is the Guest

Jacob Ripley from Paddacks Wrecker Service in Indiana  joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to talk about the recent training classes.

Jacob Ripley from Paddacks Wrecker Service in Indiana joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to talk about the recent training classes.

Jacob Ripley from Paddacks Wrecker Service in Indiana&nbsp; joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to talk about the recent training classes.&nbsp;

Jacob Ripley from Paddocks Wrecker is the Guest

Darian Weaver, President and Publisher of Tow Professional Magazine joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to talk about news and information about the Towing Industry,

Darian Weaver, President and Publisher of Tow Professional Magazine joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to talk about news and information about the Towing Industry,

Darian Weaver of Tow Professional Magazine is the Guest

Live from the Tennessee Tow Show, Wes talks with the people in the industry that helps as volunteers during conventions and shows like this to help make them a success.

Live from the Tennessee Tow Show, Wes talks with the people in the industry that helps as volunteers during conventions and shows like this to help make them a success.

American Towing and Recovery Institute From the Tennessee Tow Show

Live from the Tennessee Tow Show in Chattanooga. Wes Wilburn, Brian Riker (Your DOT Guy) and DJ Harrington talk about safety and compliance.

Live from the Tennessee Tow Show in Chattanooga. Wes Wilburn, Brian Riker (Your DOT Guy) and DJ Harrington talk about safety and compliance.

Safety and Compliance from Brian Riker

Live from the Tennessee Tow Show, Bill Giorgis joins DJ Harrington. Discussions include, the good and bad of technology, The ceremony at the Towing Museum Wall of The Fallen and the issues of hiring during and after the pandemic

Live from the Tennessee Tow Show, Bill Giorgis joins DJ Harrington. Discussions include, the good and bad of technology, The ceremony at the Towing Museum Wall of The Fallen and the issues of hiring during and after the pandemic

Live from the Tennessee Tow Show, Bill Giorgis joins DJ Harrington. Discussions include, the good and bad of technology, The ceremony at the Towing Museum Wall of The Fallen and the issues of hiring during and after the pandemic&nbsp;

Bill Giorgis is a Guest, The Ceremony of the Towing Museum Wall of the Fallen

Brian Riker  "Your DOT Guy " joins We Wilburn to talk about the industry and the regulations involved.

Brian Riker "Your DOT Guy " joins We Wilburn to talk about the industry and the regulations involved.

Brian Riker&nbsp; "Your DOT Guy " joins We Wilburn to talk about the industry and the regulations involved.

Regulations discussed with Your DOT Guy Brian Riker

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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