Tow Professional - Volume: 12, Issue: 4

TM

Volume 12 • Issue 4 • 2023 www.towprofessional.com

Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery

THE

DYNAMIC

SOLUTION

Auctions

As a Revenue Stream

Holly’s Towing

DISPATCH EXPERT WITNESS: Q & A With Amy Wells

INSIGHTFUL TALK: Grow Your Business

FUEL 4 THOUGHT: Be a People Builder

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TOW PROFESSIONAL

CONTENTS

Volume 12 • Issue 4 WWW.TOWPROFESSIONAL.COM

AUCTIONS

INDUSTRY NEWS

36 | Towbook

TOWING & RECOVERY

6 | Success And Winning

12 | NABC Recycled Rides

8 | Survivor Fund

14 | Eartec

8 | Wrecker Rentals

16 | TowMate

40 | Traxero

10 | URG - CEO 44 | Online Impound Auctions AUCTIONS

AN EXPERT WITNESS

BY

JAMES

E.

46 | Peak Auto Auctions

Maximize your abandoned vehicle revenue with…

LEWIS

18 | Q and A with Amy Wells The Best Way to Sell Your Abandoned Vehicles

D TOWING DISPATCH o you want to recover more revenue from your abandoned vehicle? Are you looking for a better, easier alternative to on-premise auctions? You’ve found it. Use OnlineImpoundAuctions.com! Our online auction platform allows tow lot owners to easily dispose of their abandoned vehicles while maximizing their sales revenue. “Our sales prices have risen substantially and increased our overall auction revenue!”

Donna Robards of Twisted Hook LLC, Griffin, GA.

We’ve operated locally for over a decade and launched nationwide in early 2022. Designed by a tow lot owner, our auction software is tailor made to drive your auctions’ success.

What this platform can do for you There is no cost to you to use the platform. We are paid via our industry low bidder’s fee. Low bidder fees encourage more bidders to join your auction – and more bidders bring in higher winning bids.

Setting up your online showroom is easy. We offer free training, help with your first auction and additional white glove services. We are committed to your success!

We make bidding easy – bidders can bid from any device, anywhere.

50 | Holly’sTowing Dispatch About OnlineImpoundAuctions.com

We are a software platform company. We fully own, enhance and maintain our software. Customers benefit!

They do not pay indirectly for third party software. This is reflected in our low bidder fees. Low bidder fees leave more money in our customers’ pockets.

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TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

INSIGHTFUL TALK

BY

DAN

MESSINA

26 | Grow Your Business

54 | Dynamic HasYour Solution!

FUEL 4 THOUGHT

BY

D.J.

HARRINGTON

CSP

32 | Be a People Builder

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 | Publisher’s Letter 59 | Dealers Place 2

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

63 | Market Place 64 | Ad Index

Try it for 30-Days, Free!

Your newest superpower.

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No Contracts or Setup Fees. Free 24/7 Support.

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PUBLISHER’S

LETTER

Volume 12 • Issue 4 WWW.TOWPROFESSIONAL.COM

TM

Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery

PUBLISHER Darian Weaver President & Publisher darian@towprofessional.com

PRODUCTION Shirley Ogburn Editor Clint Cabiness Creative Director clint@dialedinmediagroup.com

T

ow Professional, charges deep into 12 years of serving as a resource for the towing Industry, as this issue hits your desk. We are proud to serve our 37,000 + owners by offering them a free subscription to our publication for the last 12 years. We want every owner who can benefit from the knowledge and products in these pages to receive a subscription for free. This recipe combined with our devoted readers has led to Tow Professional Magazine ranking as # 1 in the industry! Tow Professional Podcast ranked as # 1, and fastest growing podcast in the Towing Market! Tow Professional’s Digital Quarterly ranked as the # 1 most interactive, and best value in the industry. We appreciate your readership, and our vendors’ trust and loyalty to our brand!

In this Issue, James Lewis, our Expert Witness, asks us to think about the future benefits of simply checking our ego. DJ Harrington in this installment of “Fuel for Thought,” explains the importance of people building, a process that brings the best out of our employees, friends, and family. Dan Messina in this issue talks about growing your business and celebrates the accomplishment of his first book, “Road Map to Success.” Get your copy of the book at www. sucessandwinning.com, and change your life!

Auctions, auction software, and the keys to being successful and raising the dollar amount per car has been a topic of interest in the industry. We look at software solutions from Towbook, and Traxero with options sure to fit your business. Peak Auto Auctions, and Online Impound Auctions also take a moment to walk you through the process to move your business to the next level with their assistance in the market.

We also look at “Dispatching,” in this issue. Holly’s Towing Service explains how their service can give you free time back and relax your stress by leaving the dispatching to them!

We appreciate your readership, and pray for protection, health and prosperity for you and your family! Until the next issue, stay tuned to our Podcast “the voice of the industry,” and keep up with various companies and top products on our Facebook page for Tow Professional!

Darian Weaver President & Publisher, Tow Professional 4

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

Bogey Cat as Office Manager

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Laura Dolan – Traxero Will Farmer -Traxero Kathleen Freeman – Holly’s Towing Dispatch D. J. Harrington CSP Michele Lee – Peak Auto Auctions James E . Lewis Dan Messina Holly Moore – Online Impound Auctions Kendall Smith – Towbook Darian Weaver

Executive and Advertising Offices 1005 Mountain Trace Birmingham, AL 35242 Toll free: 888-802-8544 Fax: 205-978-1550 www.towprofessional.com Tow Professional is published nine times a year by Over The Mountain Media, Inc., 1005 Mountain Trace, Birmingham, Alabama, 35242, USA. Tow Professional is distributed free to qualified subscribers. Non-qualified subscription rates are $57.00 per year in the U.S. and Canada and $84.00 per year for foreign subscribers (surface mail). U.S. Postage paid at Birmingham, Alabama and additional mailing offices.

Tow Professional is distributed to qualified Towing & Recovery’s Top Decision Makers. Publisher is not liable for all content (including editorial and illustrations provided by advertisers) of advertisements published and does not accept responsibility for any claims made against the publisher. It is the advertiser’s or agency’s responsibility to obtain appropriate releases on any item or individuals pictured in an advertisement.

Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher.

For a new free subscription, address changes or corrections, please visit www.towprofessional.com and click on the “subscribe” tab.

INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY

Sucess And Winning: Road Map to Success for Entrepreneurs For the past 30 years my wife and I had the pleasure of working in the towing industry. We built a tow company starting with 1 truck and no accounts and 7 years we sold the company that had 17 trucks, 34 employees, and over 1,000 accounts.

From there we went on to be the founder of one of the largest towing associations in the U.S., with a operating annual operating budget of $200,000 a year. In 2009 I was AmericanTowman Magazine towman of the year. I never towed a car in my life, but I did a lot for the industry.

I wanted to continue to work with the industry, so I started a company called TowTrax. TowTrax, is a logistics software that’s finds the closest tow truck to the customer. This business is booming, and we are expanding to 31 states and 151 markets. We are providing tow companies with tows they never had before.

Because of our success I wanted to share things I did to solve problems and grow the business. I authored a book that tells you the difficulties of everyday business. It will save you time and money by avoiding problems you could face. Things like: 1. How to compete in your markets 2. How to find good employees 3. How to face the challenges the government may put in front of you 4. How to find the technology you will need to be successful.

5. How to price your service 6. When you are ready, I will show you what is necessary to sell your business.

7. Information is king, I’ll show you how to get it.

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There is much more in the book that will help you build and run a successful business. I talk to tow companies all over the country and they all face the same challenges. Expenses are going up but there is no additional revenue coming in to offset the expenses.

The book shows you ways to think outside the box and grow your revenue.

Check out the book at successandwinning.com. You can order the book from the website or on Amazon.

Let me be a part of your team.

INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY

Survivor Fund Golf Classic Raises Nearly $35,000 Chattanooga, TN, - This year’s 15th Annual Survivor Fund Golf Classic raised $34,887 for the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum’s Survivor Fund, thanks to the generosity of sponsors, players, and others in attendance.

The event, held Thursday, April 13, in Orlando, FL, in conjunction with the Florida Tow Show®, drew well over 100 players and a large list of sponsors and other participants.

The day was perfect for a four-person scramble and the teams had a blast playing and winning prizes as well as bragging rights, all while raising money for the industry’s Survivor Fund.

“We are so proud of the generosity of the golfers and sponsors, who over the years have faithfully supported the Survivor Fund”, says Jeffrey Godwin, Survivor Fund cochairman. “Not only is this a great event, benefiting a great cause, but the fun, laughter and camaraderie throughout the day makes it an event to plan for every year.”

Over 60 road service professionals are killed each year assisting stranded motorists on the side of busy roadways.

The Survivor Fund assists the families of those who have lost their lives while performing these critical services.

“The amazing industry support through events such as the Survivor Fund Golf Classic have allowed the fund to increase distributions to $15,000 for families of museum supporters or supporting companies,” Godwin stated.

Wrecker Rentals, Inc. Daily, Weekly and Monthly Rates Available

Wrecker Rentals, Inc. provides full-service tow truck rental in Georgia and throughout the Southeast Region. They provide short term (three day minimum) and long-term tow truck rental of late model light duty wreckers and roll back tow trucks. They distribute trucks from Atlanta & Dallas to all points in the Southeast United States and can have a truck to you in as little as 24 hours.

If your truck is down due to a collision the fault of another party, their insurance may cover most, if not all, of the truck rental costs necessary to keep you in business.

Wrecker Rentals offers competitive daily, weekly and monthly rates for their tow truck rental service. They have a three-day minimum rental with an option to extend any rental. Learn more about their affordable tow truck rental rates here.

When Your Truck Goes Down What Can You Do?

Tow Truck Rental Delivery Area

Has your truck gone down due to mechanical issues or a collision? Donʼt lose you customers and your livelihood by being unable to answer the call. Rent a truck from Wrecker Rentals and keep your business in business while your asset is down. Wrecker Rentals can deliver a truck to your location in a matter of hours helping you respond to calls with limited-service interruption. See their documents page for details on how to get your rental delivered ASAP.

Wrecker Rentals understands time is money and is committed to providing fast and affordable delivery of their rental fleet throughout the Southeast region including North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. Once the documents are submitted, the truck delivery can be scheduled and often same day. Trucks may also be picked up at Wrecker Rentals office at, 940 Daily Mill Road, McDonough, GA 30253, during normal business hours or with a scheduled after-hours appointment.

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INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY

A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR ATTENDEES, PRESENTERS, VENDORS & PERFORMERS!

THE 2023 URG TRAINING CONFERENCE WAS A GREAT SUCCESS AND A LOT OF FUN! - Save the date for St. Louis, April 4-6, 2024!

A LETTER FROM CEO DON PORTER Based on this year’s conference theme “Limitless Horizons,” I will be creating a new horizon for myself beginning August 1st.

Earlier this year I asked the Board of Managers to allow me to step down as CEO and take on more of a consulting role within the organization as the in-house “Business and Industry Consultant.” In my new position I will also continue to oversee the Warranty Claims Program, the URG Insurance Company and the URG Scholarship Foundation.

I am looking forward to my new position and responsibilities with the organization, and also to continuing my work with URG and with Kristi Werner as she steps into her new role as URG’s Chief Executive Officer.

I want to thank all of you and my staff for your support over the years!!!! I will continue to represent URG to the best of my ability in my new role!

Sincerely, Don

KRISTI WERNER, CTO to CEO It was great to see so many of you in Orlando! This year’s conference was our biggest ever and I look forward to next year and seeing and meeting even more of you in St. Louis!

I’d like to take a moment to say thank you to Don. It has been an amazing 10 years working together and I’m grateful we will continue to work together even after his tenure as CEO comes to an official close.

URG would not be what it is without his hard work, dedication and determination.

He has put together an amazing staff over the years and I cannot say enough good things about them; we have a great culture and I am excited to lead such a great team.

To our previous and current board members, thank you for the confidence you’ve placed in me. Your advice and support over the years has been amazing and I look forward to working with you in my new capacity for a long time to come.

I’d also like to celebrate that our top scholarship has been renamed the Don Porter Scholarship Award. Awarding these scholarships is a passion of Don’s that I hope to continue to grow for years to come.

Lastly, to all of our Members, I look forward to taking on this role for all of you. I will continue to work hard to bring you new products and services that will help you grow your individual businesses. It is truly a pleasure working with and for you all!

Sincerely, Kristi

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INCIDENT MANAGEMENT VEHICLE When it comes to the towing Industry “Worldwide Equipment Sales” is always looking to help customers find the right vehicle for the job. We know there isn’t always enough room in your Wrecker or Carrier, and it may not have the right equipment for the incident. That’s why “Worldwide” combined with “DuraBody” found a solution and built the “Incident Management Body”.

The IM Body is 12’ Polypropylene construction with two pass-through tunnels with side tray options (Front Compartment 49” and second 47”). It also has two side stationary shelved compartments and a rear compartment, totaling 7 areas to store much needed equipment.

Whether its Air bags, Wood, Cut-off tools or more rigging, this durable body can handle your needs.

Worldwide Equipment Sales

www.wdelivers.com

601 Walnut Court | Rockdale, IL 60436

815-725-4400

INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY

NABC Recycled Rides® Program Joined GEICO and Crash Champions to Donate Refurbished Vehicles to Two Deserving Florida Residents in Need of Reliable Transportation The Car Presentation Took Place at the United Recyclers Group (URG) Conference on April 28 in Orlando

ORLANDO, FL – On Friday, April 28, two deserving Orlando area residents experienced a life-changing event – the donation of a vehicle to provide them independence and the ability to work and take care of their families – thanks to the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program along with car donors GEICO and repair partners Crash Champions. The presentation was held at the URG Conference and both recipients were nominated by Family Promise.

“We appreciate the opportunity to work with such great NABC® members as GEICO and Crash Champions to change the lives of these two deserving recipients,” said Don Porter, President of URG and NABC® board member. “The NABC Recycled Rides® gifting is always one of the highlights of our conferences.”

The recipients included: Joneisha Linder, a single mother with a 6-year-old son. She and her son became homeless after losing her job, apartment, and vehicle. She enrolled in the Family Promise temporary shelter program in January 2023.

She homeschooled her son to avoid worrying about finding transportation to and from school. She has no family in Florida, so she lacked a support system. Family Promise of Jacksonville provided that support. Since then, she has made great effort to rebuild her life, searching for and obtaining employment. She has continued to work toward her goals and the gift of a 2018 Mazda 3 Sport will be the next step to regain her independence.

The second recipient and her three children were homeless in 2020 when she was referred to Family Promise of Greater Orlando where she was provided with stable housing and resources, and as she says “this is the help I needed while I am helping myself”. Shaval has been renting vehicles to commute to work so she can keep her job, provide for her family and take her children to school. The gift of a 2019 Nissan Sentra will help 12

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her continue her journey to provide a stable environment for her family.

“This car will help make a better life for myself and my son.

It’s a new life for me. I am very grateful and appreciative to NABC Recycled Rides®, GEICO and Crash Champions,” said Linder.

NABC Recycled Rides® is a unique program in which businesses representing all facets of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Since the inception of the NABC Recycled Rides® program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council have donated more than 3,000 vehicles valued at some $42 million. Additional partners in the NABC Recycled Rides® presentation included 1-800 Charity Cars, Copart, URG and MAD Programming.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL AUTO BODY COUNCIL® The National Auto Body Council® is the premier organization of collision industry partners dedicated to strategic networking opportunities that positively change lives in the communities we serve. The collaborative membership of the National Auto Body Council® has gifted more than 3,000 vehicles, provided extrication opportunities for over 5,000 First Responders and is helping educate students and adult drivers in communities around the country through NABC Recycled Rides®, NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) and the NABC® Drive Out Distraction program. That effort equates to a 4:1 ROI in dollar value delivered from NABC® membership dollars. The National Auto Body Council® is changing the paradigm of how the collision industry works and is viewed. For more information, visit www.NationalautoBodyCouncil.org.

INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY

The EVADE SERIES – Professional Full Duplex Wireless Crew Communication Eartec EVADE are a new class of Light Industrial wireless communication systems designed for professional crews that need, hands-free voice. Operating in full-duplex allows crews to talk simultaneously within a 1/2-mile range. The headsets feature deluxe padding and a sleek, fully adjustable headband that provide maximum comfort for long hours. EVADE has the capacity to link up to 32 users enhancing productivity, and safety. EVADE headsets are self-contained with a compact full-duplex transceiver built inside the ear cups eliminating wires and belt packs. Each complete intercom includes one “MAIN” headset that relays the digital signals generated by up to eight “Remotes”.The headsets link automatically without a base station which makes the EVADE series easy to operate, reliable, and affordable.

When your job calls for split second coordination look to UltraLITE self-contained headsets and for hands free, full duplex wireless voice contact.

UltraLITE are revolutionary headsets that eclipse all other full duplex systems for performance and convenience because the transceiver is built right inside the ear cup.

This self-contained, “All in One” design eliminates wires and belt worn radios. And since UltraLITE does not require complicated base stations users can remain in constant full duplex voice contact even while on the move.

Standard UltraLITE intercoms provide instantaneous wireless communications for crews that need to communicate without pushing buttons. At the heart of these systems is a specialty base or “MAIN” headset that relays the digital signals generated by up to four “Remote” units.

The resulting open line talking pattern allows up to 5 people to talk simultaneously so they can continue working with their hands. All UltraLITE headsets include EARTEC’s Auto Mute Mic boom technology. These specialty microphone assemblies feature an internal switch that automatically mutes the headset mic gain when set to the UP position.

Using AutoMUTE is a simple and efficient way to mute your microphone signal.

A terrific feature of UltraLITE systems is that the Lithium Polymer batteries (included) charge externally and are field replaceable. This allows you to purchase and keep spare batteries on hand extending the run time of your system indefinitely. A multi-port charger is included with each new complete UltraLITE intercom that features positive LED indicators. When the batteries reach full charge the corresponding LED turns from red to green indicating that the battery is ready to go.

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EVADE XTreme are self-contained full-duplex wireless headsets used across a multitude of industrial applications where protective hardhat or bump caps are required. To operate the XTreme simply adjust the headband strap for the correct amount of holding tension, your safety cap fits right over as normal. Once you install the battery just turn the headset “ON”, and you are ready to communicate with the rest of your crew in full duplex mode, that is simultaneously and hands free within a 1/2-mile range!

As with the Single and Double Series, the EVADE XTreme features a compact full duplex radio built inside the earcups eliminating belt packs. They also include a septagonal earcup shaped design that is so unique it has received formal patent protection by the US Trademark Office. In addition, XTreme ear pads are ergonomically formed, that means wider and slightly thicker in the lower rear providing the most comfortable fit of any headset on the market.

For more information visit: www.eartec.com

EXCITING NEW LOCATION Hosted By

45th

SEPTEMBER 21 ST -24 TH , 2023

ROBERTS CENTRE WILMINGTON, OHIO

C E L E B R AT I N G 4 5 Y E A R S B E C A U S E O F Y O U !

Don’t Miss a Great Time at a Great Location

• **NEW** Camping On-Site • Live Demos • Seminars • Light Show • Beauty Contest • Over 100 Exhibitors • Safety Fashion Show

For Show and Hotel Information, Contact Bruce Bender

513-831-7469 • bruce@trao.org

• Thursday — Live Auction • Friday Night — A Party to Remember with Live Band • Friday Night — Candle Light Vigil • Saturday Night — Miller Industries Customer Appreciation Demo • Lots of Kid Activities

midwesttowshow.org

INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY

TowMate® Introduces New Wireless Trailer Light Controller for Enhanced Roadside Safety ROGERS, AR — TowMate, a leading manufacturer of LED lighting and roadside safety solutions, today announced the release of its new product, the TowMate Wireless Trailer Light Controller (P/N: TBOX-M18).

This innovative device is designed to provide wireless control of stop, tail, and turn signals for trailers of disabled semi’s in tow, or otherwise, facilitating greater efficiency and safety for tow truck operators nationwide.

The Wireless Trailer Light Controller features a plugand-play system, simplifying its use and speeding up the set-up process. Built to withstand diverse weather conditions, the unit’s robust housing ensures it remains a reliable tool for roadside service providers, regardless of the environment.

The device employs TowMate’s proprietary ‘red antenna’ receiver, which guarantees signal reception from a distance of over 1000 feet. This feature, combined with its compatibility with any TowMate red-wire transmitter, maximizes operational flexibility for users.

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The unit is equipped with a built-in 7-pin plug and a mount for the Milwaukee M18 battery (battery and wireless transmitter not included).

The TBOX-M18 is proudly made in the USA, maintaining TowMate’s dedication to domestic manufacturing and high-quality standards. Adding to its value, the unit comes with a lifetime warranty on electronics. However, it is not recommended to use with incandescent lights as it could add wear to the receiver electronics.

The TBOX-M18 is available for purchase through TowMate’s extensive network of authorized dealers across the country.

For more information TowMate products, or to find a TowMate dealer near you contact us at the below: Phone: (800) 680-4455 Email: info@towmate.com Website: www.towmate.com/dealers

2023

SEPTEMBER 7-9, 2023 JIM GRAHAM BUILDING | 1025 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC

JOIN US FOR A 2-DAY INDOOR SHOW FEATURING:

The NC Tow Truck and Trade Show is an event designed for professionals engaged in the towing and recovery business. Attendees will be able to se the latest designs of towing equipment and accessories

SILENT AUCTION REVERSE RAFFLE TOW TRUCK BEAUTY CONTEST ...AND MORE!

To be the first to get information about exhibiting at the Show, please contact:

SAVE-THE-DATE

TOWING AND RECOVERY PROFESSIONAL OF NC P.O. Box 49661 | Greensboro, NC 27419

trpnc@nctowing.org | (919) 921-8194

AN EXPERT WITNESS BY

JAMES

E.

LEWIS

///

Primary Contributor:

Amy Wells, Safety and Driver Development Consultant and Instructor

I

’m doing something different in this column by reaching out to someone I significantly respect – Amy Wells, Safety and Driver Development Consultant and Instructor for Alpers Logistics Consulting in Springfield, Missouri. Amy has worked as a driver finishing trainer and consultant throughout her transportation career and served in air transportation in the US Air Force for 18 years. I’m interviewing her on a subject we both hold to account for many mistakes in the towing and trucking industries – the human element of ego and how, when unchecked and unmoderated, can “make” people do things they wouldn’t usually do.

JL: How does ego impact driver development and safety culture?

AW: These are two fundamentally crucial points within transportation illustrate many of the struggles that companies have in instituting driver education, improvement, and safety culture change. Ego has been long associated in our field and has fed many of the driving forces which lead to risky behavior, poor judgment, complacency, or outright disregard for rules and policies.

JL: I want to take a look at how ego can influence driver behavior and acceptance to change or improve a safety culture within an organization. Let’s explain what ego is.

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AW: The ego is “that portion of the human personality that has been modified by direct external influence.”

The only component of the conscious personality is the ego. It is what a person is aware of when they assess themselves, and it is what they typically attempt to convey to others.

JL: What are some of the ways that ego influences behaviors and decision making?

AW: Ego will often influence decision making by allowing a person to forego established best practices or policies because the individual does not wish to appear as though they are weak, afraid, or incompetent. The individual may understand that they are going against an established best practice, but because they have been influenced by others external information sources who have said such practices were unmanly, stupid, or ridiculous (I’ve done it 100 times), yet they will engage in the risky behavior anyway.

JL: Can you give me some examples based on your observations?

AW: A classic example of this behavior would be a driver who knows that the weather conditions for driving are deteriorating; however, they will continue to drive on, often at imprudent speeds for the conditions, because they have been conditioned by external

AN EXPERT WITNESS BY

JAMES

E.

LEWIS

///

information sources that pulling over in these conditions has marked them as a weak or incompetent driver.

It is these same external information sources that will demean a driver who continues to drive under such conditions and ends up in a wreck, calling them an idiot for continuing to drive in those same conditions. Even under these conflicting messages, the driver is caught in a difficult situation if they are prone to peer pressure or are afraid of going against the perceived bravado displayed by other drivers.

Unfortunately, replacing peer pressure in some instances is the influence from management and administration. Similar conflicting messages will be imparted on drivers to coerce them to get the job done at whatever cost, yet in the same hand will undermine the driver when they refuse.

often ridiculed for bringing up issues that may not have an imminent breakdown factor, knowing it is an item that will need to be addressed - and they are coerced into continuing on their trip without addressing the situation.

They are basically told to quit whining about it, get in the truck and get moving on the road. Of course, once they’re on the road, the inevitable breakdown occurs, or the questionable component is caught in a DOT inspection and the driver may be placed out of service.

More drivers would come forward with maintenance issues if they knew that they would be supported in addressing those issues before they became a breakdown situation. A worn component is easier addressed in the yard than a failed component out on the roadside.

JL: How does leaving your ego unchecked impact our This also parallels with the mockery of drivers who will actually take the time to perform a thorough pre-trip inspection, and when they find issues, try to get those resolved instead of heading out on the road. Drivers are

safety culture?

AW: Ego can influence safety culture development in the refusal to change established patterns of behavior.

Our mission is to: • Evoke the public conscious to understand they are the most powerful source to define life and death on our Nation’s highways.

• To educate and make them aware they need to make a life change so first responders can live theirs!

• To unite all common industry first responders to train, educate and motivate the public we serve to just

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TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

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AN EXPERT WITNESS BY

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E.

LEWIS

///

Humans by nature are creatures of habit. However, with the addition of increased technology-based components in the cab as well as monitoring and informational tools in the office and on board the trucks, there has been a steadfast resistance among many drivers to understand, use, or accept new technologies or concepts in their driving.

They will cite that there is no reason for them to change, that they have driven perfectly fine for X number of years without it, and will continue to do so just fine. In fact, they will vehemently oppose any use of technology components or monitoring while on the job.

They refuse to understand the concept behind the use of the technologies, understand how the data is used, or use the technologies at all, to the point of even disabling some technologies. Although some of this may be fear based, often there is a lack of information given to the drivers.

To this end, even as driver managers or safety personnel, who use this data to evaluate and shape

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safety programs and policies, they do little to inform, or educate drivers on the technologies, their use, or a competent understanding of them, because “they are just drivers, they don’t need to know.”

JL: How can we address driver safety, if neither side can put aside ego to reach a commonality and understanding of the systems and policies in place to improve driver safety and build a safety culture?

AW: Answering your question with a question, if each side of the equation stands firmly with their flag planted without comprehension or communication and transparency, how can you move forward in building a safety culture with opposing camps?

JL: How does ego impact learning?

AW: Ego can influence training to a large degree. When a new driver is just getting their license and training, it is ego that prevents them from asking questions because “they don’t want to look stupid.” Because of

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this, many students will refrain from asking questions when they don’t understand concepts or try to get more information. Once they complete training, they will not ask questions of other drivers on areas that they are having problems with because they are often ridiculed for

///

not knowing this information. “What kind of driver are you that you don’t know already know this?”

than to be genuinely helpful and cultivating that knowledgeable and professional driver.

There has been a pervasive culture in our industry to criticize harshly or laugh at a rookie driver who is making mistakes rather

JL: So where does that leave us in the industry as far as cultivating safe and professional drivers?

AW: Here are a few questions supervisors and managers, as well as working individuals need to ask themselves:

•

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Are we leaving the door open to where drivers can ask questions and get information without the fear of ridicule and reprisal?

Are we part of the problem by not being transparent with our data gathering devices to our driver force?

Are we not being supportive when drivers would like more information or have issues that may impact their safety?

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In order for our safety culture to improve and to develop safe, courteous, and professional drivers we wish to have in our fleets, we need to look inward at our own selves, attitudes, and our operations and what we are asking of ourselves and our drivers.

That means, we need to set aside the ego culture and cultivate the respectful, courteous, and safe culture that we aspire to be.

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25

INSIGHTFUL TALK BY

DAN

MESSINA

///

I

just completed my first book ever, and I think it’s going to be a success. I say that because after I completed it, I read it, and it’s full of information necessary to run a business. I recently went to the Vegas tow show and I always enjoy sitting around talking to my tow friends about how we wish we could sell our business. The more we drank the more we complained.

What we don’t realize is we are in Vegas partying, drinking, and eating good. At the end of the day ya have to admit that towing provides a nice lifestyle. I realize it’s hard running a tow company, especially if you are doing it yourself. As I looked back at my towing life, I realized just how nice I had it. I was successful at the business, and it gave me the opportunity to meet a whole bunch of towers all over the U.S. My success stories are as follows: 26

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

I started my tow company with one truck and no accounts and seven years later I sold it. I had 17 trucks, 34 employees, and over 1,000 accounts.

Keep in mind I had no experience in the industry when I started. I had two people wanting to buy my company, and I chose the right person and sold it for a lot of money.

During the seven years running my business, I started one of the largest towing associations in the U.S. I made them over a million dollars with an annual operating budget of over $150,000 a year.

In 2009 I was AmericanTowman Magazine’s Towman of the Year. I never towed a car in my life, but I did a lot for the industry.

I am the founder of TowTrax, a logistics software that finds the closest tow truck to the customer.

I recently completed a book that allows business

owners to avoid issues as they build their business. It shows them all the issues I faced and how I overcame them.

I was talking to my wife and both of us agreed we had a pretty successful towing career, but that was not enough for me. I realized I have a talent for taking a business from scratch and turning it into a success story. I want to share my success with others. That’s why I wrote the book. As you know, starting a business brings many problems and issues you will face.

The book lets you avoid these problems by me showing you what I faced and how I avoided the problems. I will help you with the following: 1. Steps on starting a business from scratch 2. How to find good employees 3. How to face the challenges the government may put in front of you 4. How to find the technology you will need to be successful 5. How important it is to attend a trade show and see what is going on in the industry 6. When you are ready, I will show you what is necessary to sell your business 7. Information is king; I’ll show you how to get it There is much more in the book that will help you build and run a successful business. I talk to tow companies all over the country, and they all face the same challenges.

Expenses are going up, but there is no additional revenue coming in to offset the expenses. I am in the process of writing my second

book. I want you to be a part of that process. The book will show you ten ways to grow your business. One of the ten ways is to think outside the box. When I was in Vegas and people purchased my book, I asked them to think outside the box to look for new revenue. As an owner,

they told me they did not have much time to think beyond the day-to-day operation. I told them since they purchased the book, they also get me. I told them I will be asking them for at least three ways to grow their business. I will also ask 100 other people who purchased the book to

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27

INSIGHTFUL TALK BY

DAN

MESSINA

give me three ways they grow their business. I now have 300 ways to grow your business that I will pass on to you.

Thinking outside the box is just one of the ways to increase your business.

Here are a few more:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

We will work on expanding markets Finding new niches Penetrating existing markets How to ask for referrals Create new services Containing your cost

In the book “Road Map to Success” I talk about wearing many hats that may not fit you because you are not good at these things. That’s where we come in to help. I will put 100 other people on our team that will

///

help you and share information.

At the show I was sitting at my booth when a young tower from California approached me. He was surprised to see me, but I did not recognize him. I asked if I knew him and he told me he attended a show in Baltimore 10 years ago and bought a video I was selling at one of my classes. He was excited to talk and he purchased a book. I told him when he buys the book, he gets me. I am looking forward to working with him in the future and helping him become successful.

One thing I told him I cover in the book is to have a mentor. As he was walking away, I told him he now has a mentor. He Just smiled.

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The change in our business finances was unbelievable and what was more amazing was the passion that I had lost for the business had returned. It was fun again to go to work because we were seeing the fruit of all our hard labor.

If you haven’t been to the class, just go it will be some of the best money you have spent for your business.

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29

FUEL 4 THOUGHT BY

D.J.

HARRINGTON

CSP

///

Be a People Builder

T

It was my recent pleasure to be stationed in the Tow Professional Magazine booth at the Florida Tow Show. I worked with Darian Weaver, the President, and Publisher of the magazine along with Chuck Camp, the Producer of the fastest growing podcast, the Tow Professional Podcast.

So many readers of the magazine came by, but I was most stunned by the large number of towers who listen each week to our informative podcast. To all of you

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TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

who commented on my articles and how you enjoy the podcasts that the whole family can listen to, I thank you.

Many also voiced kind words about why all of us in the booth kneel at the cross and stand for our flag. As years continue, I pray God will let me keep helping people grow. That’s what prompted this article.

When I’m gone from this world, I want to be remembered as a “people builder.” A “People Builder” is someone who builds up people, not kicking or

tearing others down. Let’s do a personal assessment.

Is the legacy or the impact you had on this world how you want people to remember you? If not, start this suggestion at home with your family. Think of things that family members do to help you and thank them for building up your confidence. In turn, it will build up their confidence too.

Consider Henry Ford. Even Henry Ford benefited from encouragement received in his early days. One of his encouraging “boosters” was none other than Thomas Edison. Henry Ford, the pioneering automaker was introduced to Edison as “the guy trying to build a car that ran on gasoline.” When Edison heard this, his face lit up. He slammed his fist on the table and said, “You got it. A Car that has its own POWER PLANT, that’s a BRILLIANT IDEA!” How do I know this? During my school years, my family’s construction company located in New Jersey redid all the paving at Edison’s place as well as his private home. Every summer while in high school and college, I worked for our construction company. In my senior year in high school, I spent

Henry Ford on his first vehicle, the Quadcycle.

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FUEL 4 THOUGHT BY

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///

Portrait of Thomas Alva Edison with phonograph.

many weekends working at Edison’s place. Now, back to the story about Edison encouraging Ford.

what it means when we tell someone, “I believe in You. You got what it takes. I’m behind you, 100 per cent.”

Up to that point, Henry Ford had dealt with many naysayer’s discouragements. Most of them became a “doubting Thomas.” Along with their negative comments, Ford had just about convinced himself to give up, but along came Edison. Edison spoke constructive faith into Ford. Edison’s words were a turning point in Henry Ford’s life.

Ford once said, “I thought I had a great idea, but I started to doubt myself.” “Then along came one of the greatest minds that every lived and gave me his complete approval.” Negative comments by others certainly didn’t help encourage Ford. However, one simple vote of confidence from Edison helped launch the automotive industry. Sometimes, we don’t realize the power our words hold over others. We don’t realize

So, I ask you to step up now and be someone’s #1 fan. Encourage them. It could be a son or daughter that needs encouragement. Or like me, a grandson or granddaughter. Lift them up when they’re down and celebrate when they succeed. Pray for them when they are struggling and urge them to keep pressing forward.

That’s what it is to be a “people builder.” All of us need someone to believe in us more than we believe in ourselves.

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TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

If you think about this, just a little, you too will get phone calls later in life where a person on the other end of the phone says something similar, “Thank you for your belief in me, Mr. DJ. I am now 47 years old.

I became a doctor. It was the talks that you gave to us kids in the neighborhood years ago that helped me. I just wanted to say thank you.”

After receiving that phone call a couple days ago, you can’t imagine how his words made this old guy feel. He doesn’t realize it right now, but his words encouraged me too. Chad is now a cosmetic surgical doctor, and I just watched one of his online videos explaining about his surgery options. He has multiple locations for his surgery business. When Chad and Chris were running in my neighborhood years ago, they weren’t always appreciated by other homeowners. As you can see, they’ve done quite well.

So, you want to hear from people down the road that you’ve helped make a difference in their life, start being a “People Builder” today. If you’re already building up people, keep doing it because you never know how powerful your words will be to someone else’s success.

PODCAST

See you on the next podcast.

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

35

AUCTIONS

Written by Kendall Smith

A

uction vehicles often represent an important stream of income for your business, but managing auction vehicles and the entire process of selling cars is often a real challenge.

To begin with, the owner/lienholder notification process and the steps required to obtain vehicle titles can be a long and difficult path.

Towbook has implemented a completely new set of auction management tools aimed at helping you better manage the title acquisition process and the vehicles you’re preparing for sale at auction.

Our owner/lienholder notification letters and forms are automatically populated with data from calls, making the process much more seamless. Within each call, it’s simple to see when each letter or form was completed and sent. If you need a letter or form set up in your Towbook account, simply send it to our team and we’ll get it set up in your system.

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TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

TOWBOOK Our integration with Auto Data Direct (ADD123) further simplifies the owner/ lienholder process by making it easy to perform your title work inside Towbook. The ADD123 integration allows you to quickly run a nationwide theft-check, ensuring that you have documented proof that you checked to confirm if the vehicle was reported stolen before selling it. In some cases, it can make sense to perform these searches on every single vehicle you’re considering selling.

Once you have obtained a clear title and all your paperwork is in order, you can add vehicles to Towbook’s new Auction Manager section. Vehicles can be added one at a time or in groups.

As you add or prepare vehicles for sale at auction, it’s easy to track important information in Towbook that impacts the value of a vehicle.

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Other Available Coverage • Accidental Death and Dismemberment of $10,000 per life on the policy is included on all accounts offered

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37

AUCTIONS

We’ve made it simple to record if you have Keys, Airbag Status, Drivable Status, and Catalytic converter status. Other important items that can be easily

38

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

tracked in Towbook include Title Number, Title Brand, Title Issue Date, and method (how) the title was received.

TOWBOOK The Towbook Auction Manager also supports Lot Numbers and Row Numbers to identify where the vehicle is stored.

Other important options for building and managing auction vehicles in Towbook include setting a Starting Price, Reserve Price, and Sale Price on each vehicle.

Once all the data and photos are added to each vehicle you plan to sell, it’s time to set up and schedule an auction. The first step is building a schedule of your upcoming auctions.

After your schedule is set, it’s simple to assign vehicles to an auction.

Once your lists of vehicles for sale are built, you can export them to Excel with all Auction related fields. We’ve found that some customers will audit each vehicle prior to sale to ensure the information is all correct. This list can also be shared with potential buyers.

We also offer a PDF document that customers can generate to share with buyers, which includes all the important information for your sales, including starting price, if you have Keys, Airbag Status, Drivable Status, Catalytic converter status, and a photo.

Once a vehicle is sold, customers can select to release the vehicle to a new owner and enter in the owner’s information. Any auction-related paperwork can be scanned into the vehicle’s record in Towbook directly from the iOS app or can be uploaded from the computer.

For those interested in working with an online auction platform we are in the process of integrating with the most well-known brands in the industry. Online Auctions can provide an additional base of buyers alongside the local ones you typically work with and drive up your sale prices. We’re looking

O

forward to announcing these very soon.

For customers managing their own auctions, our goal is to provide a complete solution to allow you to manage as much of your Auction process within Towbook as we can facilitate.

ur goal is to help customers manage their auction vehicles in a more efficient way. We want

to see them maximize their return and minimize the manual legwork by leveraging the tools our systems offer. Reach out to us anytime with questions, comments, or feedback on Auctions, and we’ll be happy to work together with you.

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AUCTIONS

Impound Auction Software

Four Benefits For Towers Who Use Traxero’s

Written by Laura Dolan & Will Farmer

A

re you a tower who’s in serious need of trying to clear your lots? Are you unhappy with the prices you’re getting when selling cars?

Are you spending too much time trying to organize auctions and not finding enough bidders?

With Auction Simplified by Traxero, we help towers increase profits and save time with our easy-to-use auction software. From inspection to checkout, our impound auction software makes running an auction easier than ever to keep accurate records and ensures towers’ inventory gets in front of as many buyers as possible.

Traxero’s goal is to empower towers to run the type of auction that works best for their business with our

40

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

How Traxero’s impound auction software helps towers streamline their auction experience and make more money.

advanced software. Here are the four ways our impound auction software can benefit your towing company.

End-To-End Auction Software Integration Auction Simplified is the towing industry’s very first integrated auction solution that fully connects with Traxero’s Towing Management Software (TMS), making running an auction easier than ever to organize and to keep accurate records.

TRAXERO Auction Simplified saves time and reduces errors from having to manually double enter data between systems. Instead, you can benefit by integrating to your existing Traxero TMS, leading to increased productivity and smoother operations.

them the starting point for selling cars they’ve taken in and stored in lots,” said Kevin Leigh, Managing Director at Traxero. “A well-run auction is as green as it gets because you’re taking something that would have been destroyed and instead recycling it back into the world.”

If you are a customer of Dispatch Anywhere, TOPS, Omadi, Tracker, or InTow, Auction Simplified makes it possible to have more robust reporting, better visibility into your inventory, and saving time when reconciling transactions. If you’re currently not a TMS customer today, you can still run auctions, but to take the most advantage of our software, a Traxero TMS to auction integration is the way to go.

Enhanced Auction Management

Traxero’s fully integrated auction solution also has selling and buying features that make it easier to inspect and sell salvage and wholesale inventory. Statistically, towers who run their own private auctions consistently earn higher profit per car.

Managing auctions online enables easy bidding, secure online payments, and real-time tracking of auction activities. This automation not only reduces the administrative burden but also attracts a larger pool of potential buyers, increasing the chances of higher bids and maximizing revenue for the towing company.

“At Auction Simplified, we think junk is another word for cash. There are so many entrepreneurs out there maximizing small, niche markets. Our product gives

Conducting impound auctions can be a complex and time-consuming task for towing companies. However, with Auction Simplified, this process becomes streamlined and efficient. Our auction software allows towing companies to create and manage auction listings online, including detailed vehicle descriptions, images, and custom auction terms.

Auction Simplified allows towers to run their auctions how they want and it supports any type of

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41

AUCTIONS auction including online-only, live with simulcast, and traditional live auctions. With the mobile app, you can scan the VIN, add equipment, take photos, post videos, and build a condition report all in less than 5 minutes per car. This makes it easy to sync your vehicle inventory and post directly to auction.

What separates Auction Simplified from the competition is the ability to utilize simulcast feed with audio. An online auction has the potential to capture the attention of more buyers, giving them a more traditional experience from the comfort of their laptops, computers, or phones.

“We are able to host every auction style,” Kevin said. “Our software is very mature and is constantly improving.”

Auction Simplified meets towers where they are in their business. At the end of the day, it’s your auction. You, as the business owner, get to decide how to run it, and we’ll assist any way we can.

Improved Customer Engagement Traxero’s impound auction software offers features that enhance customer engagement and satisfaction. One example is by providing a towing auction website that’s branded to your business so bidders will recognize it, enhancing loyalty and trust. We also provide a transparent inspection process to improve buyer confidence and reduce loading times.

And by offering online access to auction listings, this allows potential buyers to view and bid on vehicles conveniently. Additionally, our auction software can send automated notifications to interested buyers regarding upcoming auctions and specific vehicle listings.

This proactive communication improves customer engagement, expands the reach of auctions, and increases the likelihood of higher bids. And, with online payment capabilities, buyers can easily complete transactions, further enhancing their experience.

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TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

“Twenty-five percent of our business comes from auctions,” said Steven Weil Jr. of Weil Wrecker Service in Birmingham, Alabama. “Since [winning a police

TRAXERO contract with the City of Birmingham], we run at least two auctions a month, averaging 150 vehicles per. I don’t see how we could ever go back to a world without Auction Simplified.”

Financial Management And Reporting Auction Simplified when integrated with Traxero’s other TMS tools offers comprehensive reporting capabilities, providing valuable insights into auction performance, revenue trends, and other key metrics.

Our integrated accounting and inventory management system helps drive administrative efficiencies. This data allows towers to make more informed decisions about their business, identify areas for improvement, and optimize their operations to maximize profitability.

“We teach you how to operate an auction business within your towing business, so there’s more profit coming in,” said Kevin. “The great thing about our integrations is that if you’re using our TMS to help you

tow a car, and you want to put it into an auction, you simply press a button. It’s that easy.”

Let Our Auction Software Help Grow Your Business Auction Simplified has revolutionized the way towing companies manage impounded vehicles and conduct auctions. If the auction and impound market is the next step you want to pursue in your towing business, let Traxero’s auction software help you streamline your processes and make money faster.

Our Account Manager and Buyer Development teams are ready and willing to help you simplify the auction process and promote your inventory to more buyers.

For more information about how Traxero’s auction solutions can help you clear your lots, visit Traxero. com or call 1-800-428-4715 to talk to one of our representatives.

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43

AUCTIONS

Maximize your abandoned vehicle revenue with…

The Best Way to Sell Your Abandoned Vehicles

Written by Holly Moore

D

o you want to recover more revenue from your abandoned vehicle? Are you looking for a better, easier alternative to on-premise auctions? You’ve found it. Use OnlineImpoundAuctions.com! Our online auction platform allows tow lot owners to easily dispose of their abandoned vehicles while maximizing their sales revenue. “Our sales prices have risen substantially and increased our overall auction revenue!”

Donna Robards of Twisted Hook LLC, Griffin, GA.

About OnlineImpoundAuctions.com We are a software platform company. We fully own, enhance and maintain our software. Customers benefit!

They do not pay indirectly for third party software. This is reflected in our low bidder fees. Low bidder fees leave more money in our customers’ pockets.

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TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

We’ve operated locally for over a decade and launched nationwide in early 2022. Designed by a tow lot owner, our auction software is tailor made to drive your auctions’ success.

What this platform can do for you There is no cost to you to use the platform. We are paid via our industry low bidder’s fee. Low bidder fees encourage more bidders to join your auction – and more bidders bring in higher winning bids.

Setting up your online showroom is easy. We offer free training, help with your first auction and additional white glove services. We are committed to your success!

We make bidding easy – bidders can bid from any device, anywhere.

ONLINE IMPOUND AUCTIONS Here are some more OnlineImpoundAuctions.com benefits: • Eliminates on-premise auction costs like security, extra staff and food.

• Streamlines after auction paperwork • Easy real time auction tracking from within your seller’s portal • Free training • Cars remain on your lot!

• You collect all the money!

How it Works Getting Started Register as a seller at www.OnlineImpoundAuctions.com!

We will reach back out to you quickly to schedule your free training and get your first auction started.

Your First Auction 1. Confirm an auction date with us and your auction is immediately advertised on our home page.

2. Populate your online showroom by uploading key information about each vehicle.

3. Walk your lot, taking pictures and uploading them to your showroom as you go.

4. Bidders are then able to view your showroom and prebid. Bidder excitement builds!

5. Watch your auction go live! Bidding drives an increase in revenue per vehicle. You track your auction results in real time via your personal seller’s portal.

6. After the auction ends, winners are automatically sent winning bid invoices and come to you to pay and collect the vehicles.

7. You collect all the money. You don’t pay us the bidder’s fee portion until after the winning bidders pay you and pick up the vehicles.

8. You are free to hold auctions at your own pace, monthly, quarterly, etc. Just repeat the process to hold your next successful auction!

Contact us at 888-903-4678 or info@OnlineImpoundAuctions.com!

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www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

45

AUCTIONS

Peak Auto Auctions – Built by Tow Professionals for Tow Professionals Written by Michele Lee

P

eak Auto Auctions was the first, and is the most experienced, online auto auction. It was designed specifically for tow companies that want to get the highest return from abandoned and surplus vehicles and minimize the impact of storage of unwanted vehicles. Its online platform was built for tow professionals by tow professionals who understand the need to maximize profits and minimize storage of unwanted vehicles.

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TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

Over five years ago, Peak’s founding owners developed the online auction platform as a more efficient way to dispense of their own abandoned vehicles taking up space in their tow yards. They knew the typical auction process was inefficient and resulted in lower bids from the handful of buyers who showed up for their auctions. As success with their online auction grew, they decided to share it with other tow professionals looking for a better way of doing business.

PEAK AUTO AUCTIONS

“The Peak team is continuously adapting our processes, and services to best serve the towing community. One of our strengths is our ability, and willingness to make rapid changes based on industry needs. Peak is here to help members of the community streamline their auction process and bring more money to the bottom line. When we discover a way to do this better, we do it.

Bart Lundy of Southside Wrecker in Georgia has no time to waste when it comes to moving abandoned vehicles from his properties. That’s why he chose Peak Auto Auctions to do the heavy lifting for him. “When we’re ready to set an auction date, my staff just sends them an email, enters the vehicles into the Peak portal, and their expert team takes it from there. Peak handles it all – building the auction, marketing, processing payments, collections and even sending us reports. It can’t get any easier.”

Peak’s services are free to the tow company and its customers report consistently improved revenues from sales of its abandoned vehicles. Towing companies can sell motor vehicles, ATVs motorcycles, boats, RVs, and other automotive related items, most of which are obtained through impound. Using their personal login credentials at Peak, users can set up an auction, enter vehicle information and photos. When they are ready to schedule dates for the auction and go live, Peak’s software builds the complete auction to display online.

According to Peak customer James Mericle, Mericle’s Towing in Louisiana, “It’s an easy one-stopshop for auction services. One of my employees

”

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47

AUCTIONS

handles it along with the Peak team and I don’t have to get in the middle of it. Peak is more aggressive about pricing, seeing more value in some of the vehicles than I would have pricing them myself. And Peak processes credit card payments for the towing company, up to $5,000, and covers the processing fee. That’s a huge savings for us. We’re putting 40 to 50 vehicles in every auction and having great results.”

Peak has also developed a process for accommodating a series of higher bids from different

Scan the QR code for more information about Peak Auctions

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TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

customers at the same time. Peak’s online platform provides a time extension when a bid is placed on a specific vehicle after closing starts. The extension will continue as long as bidders are bidding. This process ensures the Peak auction yields the most profit for its customer.

Matt Davison, President and Auctioneer at Peak says, “The Peak team is continuously adapting our processes, and services to best serve the towing community. One of our strengths is our ability, and willingness to make rapid changes based on industry needs. Peak is here to help members of the community streamline their auction process and bring more money to the bottom line. When we discover a way to do this better, we do it.”

Julia Ward is the owner of Collin County VSF in Mckinney, Texas. In early 2021 she began using Peak Auto Auction’s online platform for selling abandoned

vehicles and says the difference in her success with sales is amazing. “I love Peak,” she says. “I’ve seen a consistent increase in my revenue from sales compared to the traditional auction in our yard. They make everything so easy, and they are genuinely there to help you as a business owner. Their team members are quick to respond and very good at communicating throughout the process. Peak is a great partner in making our business more successful and profitable.”

Davison says, “I am continually impressed with the level of service provided by each member of the Peak team. The members of Peak do not go above and beyond because it is in their job description. They do it because they genuinely care about the towing industry, and the hard-working people in it. Our mission is to help members of the towing community adapt to the auction process and increase their abandoned vehicle revenue. Peak has done this over and over across the country because we understand the process, and we know the people in the industry. At the end of the day, we have been successful because we truly care about the people we serve.”

Today Peak Auto Auctions is a nationally recognized system helping tow companies reach a broader range of buyers. Peak has also developed strategic partnerships with tow management systems, such as Tow Book and VTS, which allow for a seamless process for selling its common customers’ abandoned vehicles.

Every Peak customer has reported an increase in revenues from their abandoned vehicle sales.

For information on how to improve your tow company’s bottom line using Peak Auto Auction’s online platform, contact them at info@ peakautoauctions.com.

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

49

TOWING DISPATCH

Holly’s Towing Dispatch – THE LEADER IN TOWING DISPATCH Written by Kathleen Freeman

A

re you currently relying on an answering service to dispatch your after-hour and weekend calls?

Are you answering and dispatching yourself?

How is that working for you? Do the operators understand the importance of never missing a police call, immediately getting in touch with your driver or just how important those police and motor club contracts are?

Years ago, we recognized that it was nearly impossible to combine towing companies with doctors, property managers, and any other industry who typically employ an

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TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

answering service. At that point, we chose to solely serve the towing, recovery and roadside industry and became Holly’s Towing Dispatch.

At Holly’s Towing Dispatch we solely answer and dispatch for Towing & Recovery professionals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – 365 days a year. We only focus on your field, train employees solely in towing dispatch and understand the importance of getting every call out immediately. We go above and beyond what you will get www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

51

TOWING DISPATCH

at a typical answering service, and we know this because we started as one.

or just too busy towing to do the job of two people, that is when they call us!

Granted, not everyone uses an answering service.

Most commonly, business owners who cannot justify paying an in-house dispatcher to sit and wait for the phone to ring will forward all calls to their cell phones or directly to their drivers working the overnight. When the owner grows tired of never getting a full night’s sleep, missing another holiday with their family, or missing a call, that is when they call us! When a driver is picking and choosing what calls to take, losing the owner revenue, completing cash calls with no documentation,

Many of our customers wrestled with the idea of hiring an outside source to dispatch their calls well before they began using our services. Whether they were seeking relief for one night a week, 7 days a week, or just on Sundays, the idea of “giving up their phones” was a real struggle. Prior to beginning service with Holly’s Towing Dispatch, we ask you to provide as much information as you can about how you run your business.

We are in Connecticut but dispatch for companies across the country. Knowing your coverage area and providing

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TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

a list of zip codes or town names, especially for motor clubs, allows us to only accept calls that you want! We pride ourselves on customizing each of our customers’ accounts. You run your business the way that suits you best, and Holly’s Towing Dispatch aims to assist you in keeping it running at the times when you aren’t available.

Making the decision to seek an “off-site” dispatch service can be difficult. You’ve worked hard to build your business. Whether it is has been one year or forty years, giving up your phones can be terrifying. I encourage you to call and talk about it. You’re not alone and there is a way to get relief all while your drivers are out working for you, your PD calls are getting immediate response and your motor club ratings are not suffering.

Don’t go another day of missing out on sleep or being with those you love. Let Holly’s Towing Dispatch work for you while you work on your business. Make sure you can attend the next family birthday party or take your significant other out on a date. We will make sure you are covered.

Call or contact us online. Kathleen would be happy to discuss your specific needs. 1-800-730-3909 www.

HollysTowingDispatch.com. www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

53

DYNAMIC’S LINE-UP

Start up Company or Industry Leader,

DYNAMIC E

stablished in 1982, Dynamic Manufacturing began its operations in an 8,000 square foot building in Norfolk, Virginia. TODAY THIS BUILDING IS NOW MORE THEN 60,000 SQ FT!!

The creators and executive team at Dynamic Manufacturing were the innovators in the repossession and towing industry. Calvin Russ, the company’s founder, started Dynamic Manufacturing by sketching out an idea to design a wheel-lift system that would be easier, faster, and safer to operate than what was available at the time.

His creation, the Original Self-Loading Wheel-Lift, was born and Dynamic Manufacturing consistently worked to perfect the Self-Loading Wheel-Lift. Today, the SelfLoading Wheel-Lift is the most sought-after technology in the industry.

54

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

HAS YOUR SOLUTION!

The Original Self-Loading Wheel-Lift from Dynamic was introduced in 1983. The Self-Loading Wheel-Lift was repossessing vehicles with its 90 degree hook up in 10 seconds and the driver never had to leave the security of the cab of the truck. The word of how well the new SelfLoading Wheel-Lift worked spread like wildfire through the industry. The Virginia Department of Transportation commissioned Dynamic to build a unit for towing and recovery on the bridges and tunnels in Norfolk, Virginia.

The Dynamic 601 BTW twin line, with a hydraulic extendable recovery boom was put into service and is still the equipment of choice today. Soon after, major cities like Chicago and New York added the Self-Loading WheelLift to their fleets as well. Dynamic grew as the industry grew and the demands for stronger, improved, and

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DYNAMIC’S LINE-UP

more diversified Self-Loading Wheel-Lift equipment was needed.

The company’s mainstay was the 601 series with a 4,000-pound wheel-lift. This unit has now been bypassed with the 701 with its 5000lb wheel-lift fully extended, and optional Neg-Power tilt. With the 701’s impressive array of standard equipment, it is available in four different configurations: the B, which is the basic unit with the 5,000 pound wheel-lift; the BDW, a bed with a deck winch; the BSW, a bed with a recovery boom and a single winch; and the BTW, a bed with a recovery boom and two winches and numerous optional equipment is available to qualify for city and state towing contracts.

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TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

The present owners of Dynamic have over 40 years’ experience in the towing business. AND NOW OVER 10 years in manufacturing, engineering, and bringing new products to the industry. They understand what the towers

HONORING OUR

VETERANS! We want your stories of Veterans in your family!

Men & Women that served our country, that came back and put their heart of service back into their community towing!

Lets Honor them on our pages!

Send to: Darian@towprofessional.com

DYNAMIC’S LINE-UP

DYNAMIC CARRIER

FUSION need and want. Safety is an especially important issue. Dynamic offers the in-cab wheel-lift controls for added safety during highway tows and the ever-dangerous repossession. Not one tow vehicle is the same, Dynamic is a small, customer care company where you can reach the owner as well as all the departments to solve a problem with your Dynamic equipment. Their parts department is always stocked with a vast amount and a variety of parts. A call to the parts department and quick ship out procedure ensures your downtime to an absolute minimum. Dynamic listens and is always open to suggestions and changes needed by the end user.

58

The 701 light duty and light/ medium duty truck series and the 801 medium duty truck series are also available in the four different configurations. The 701 series offers a 5,000-pound wheel-lift and is also available with optional winch or negative tilt. The 801 series is the truck that Dynamic designed for the Virginia Department of Transportation and is available with an 8,000 pound wheel-lift. Dynamic Manufacturing totally reengineered the 801 series with an 8500LB wheel-lift and 16-ton recovery boom to meet their needs!

Dynamic Manufacturing is continuing to broaden its product line. Dynamic was the first to

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

manufacture rollbacks with a SelfLoading, Independent, Wheel-Lift.

The traditional “L” arm wheel-lift is offered as standard equipment.

As time progressed, methods of towing vehicles and trucks also required more diligence when towing. Dynamic saw the need to manufacture equipment that would help the tower be able to not only perform his job safely, but also with the delicate care needed to tow the present and future vehicles and trucks. The latest products introduced and now manufactured by Dynamic are the RADIUS Rotator Carrier, Slide-in Units, and the Stealth WheelLifts. Dynamic offers a full line of products that can transform your pick-up into a wrecker at a low cost, and it makes for the perfect setup for low clearance garages! The latest addition to the lineup is the Dynamic Service vehicle. Make sure you visit www.dynamicmfg.com and check them out for yourselves.

Dynamic has distributors located throughout the United States, England, Australia, Ukraine, Russia, Scandinavia, Sweden & Baltic States.

They are always looking for additional equipment distributors, parts distributors, and repair facilities.

Please contact Dynamic Manufacturing for more information.

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Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc is the oldest active Jerr-Dan Corp distributor in the nation and we also proudly offer the Landoll line of transportation products, trailers tough enough to move the world. Since 1969. We have one of the largest inventories of new and used tow trucks, carriers, and trailers in the nation and a full parts and service facility. Financing is available, and the process is easy.

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TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

800-288-0839 COLUMBUS | 800-288-0849 MARIETTA

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TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

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Call George Metos for a confidential conversation 385-695-5916 or text him at 801-440-3176

Email: GeorgeMetos@aol.com www.businessbrokergeorge.com See his profile on LinkedIn.com

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

63

ADVERTISER INDEX COMPANY

PG

Alabama Towing &

COMPANY

COMPANY

PG

HAAS Alert........................................... 13

PG

RP Consulting....................................... 41

HalL Kresser...........................................

RV Wheel.............................................. 63 N E X T D I G I TA Q U A R T E63R LY

Recovery Assoc. ................................. 23 Alliance Funding ................................. 39

Hide-a-Lift............................................. 63

Steck Mfg.............................................. 38

......................................................BC Tow Professional isHinoproud to announce Survivor Fund Museum.................30-31 Awards & More................................... 47 Holly’s Towing Dispatch..................... 53 our new Digital Interactive Quarterly! The Will-Burt Company...................... 41 Austin Hinds......................................... 59

OLD

AZUGA..................................................... 5

INA Towing Network.......................... 20

Tow Toolz............................................... 33

Collins Dollies ....................................IBC

Interline Risk Services....................... 37

Towbook............................................ 3, 29

Curbside SOS....................................... 22

Jerr-Dan.............................................. IFC

Towing and Recovery

Custer Products................................... 24

Professionals of NC............................ 17

Custom Built......................................... 27

Lodar...................................................... 29 Quarterly Marking Pen Depot............................. 63

CW Mill Equipment ............................ 38

McMahon............................................. 61

Towtrax ................................................. 49

Eartec.................................................... 51

OnlineImpoundAuctions.................... 45

TRAO...................................................... 15

Q1

TowMate................................................. 1

Now your Editorial and Advertising can become interactive Dynamic................................................ 35 MCS Mobile Control Systems........... 45 Tracked Machines.............................. 21 with links & videos combined with the convenience of mobility!

Tow Professional Quarterly Digital Edition 60 ParkingPass.com................................

49 Eastern Wrecker Sales......................

Traxero................................................... 25

• Associates...........................

Comes out 4 times a year Eckert & 63 Peak Auto Auctions............................ 19 Tru-Hitch............................................... 37 • Mobile and accessible for readers to use and for towers on the go.

ESA...........................................................

Personalized by Tracy........................ 63 7 Weiss Ins.............................................. 63 • Editorial and Ads are interactive with the use of Links and Videos to show more information and direct readers to your website.

Progressive Insurance......................... 9 Flow Stop..............................................

43 Worldwide Equipment Sales............. 11 • Emailed to our 11,000 registered owners Recovery Billing................................... 28 GM Consultants................................... 63 Wrecker Rentals.................................. 60 • Promoted on Social Media: Facebook, Linked-In, as well as in our print publication.

Go Light.................................................

62 • Easily Promoted on your25Social Robert Media Young........................................ platforms through sharing...

• Cost effective Full Page and Half Page sizes.

Editorial N E XCoverage T D I G I TA L QUARTER 1

Q UA R T E RCost LYFor Full Year FULL PAGE

Towing Software and Lighting

Specs: Tow Professional is proud to announce QUARTER 2 Price: $ 3,000 our new Digital5thInteractive Rotators, Heavy Equipment, Wheel Attachments,Quarterly!

Wheel-Lifts and HALF PAGE

Ce

Q3

Quarterly

lebrating

10

YEARS

Quarter 3 • 2021 www.towprofessional.com

Repo Equipment

QUARTER 3

Insurance and Financing

QUARTER 4

Q3

Quarterly Hazmat, Spill Control, Lock-out Equipment, GPS and Telematics

Specs: Price: $ 2,000

All ads and editorial must have links to websites and this includes videos.

TOWERS INSURANCE

PLUS: INDUSTRY NEWS: TEC Equipment Expands Representation of Jerr-Dan into Nevada.

Now your Editorial and Advertising can become interactive Be sure to ask about how to become a part of our Suppliers Directory and Feature Product Editorial.

Wreaths Across America Announces the Mobile Education Exhibit’s 2022 National Tour.

FEATURED PRODUCTS | SUPPLIERS DIRECTORY

with links & videos combined with the convenience of mobility!

Tow Professional Quarterly Tow ProfessionalDigital Quarterly Edition EditionDigital Featured Supplier • Comes out 4 times a year Directory Q2 2021 TP Q2 FEATURED SUPPLIERS & DIRECTORY

TP Q2

FEATURED PRODUCTS

2021

60-65 Word Product Description & REPO EQUIPMENT Editorial and Ads are• interactive with the use of Links WHEEL andLIFTS Videos to show more• information and Image Product or Service DYNAMIC “PYTHON” Company Logo • Contact Email Link direct readers to your • website.

Phone Number • Website Link Emailed to our 11,000 owners • registered Contact Email Link Website Link Promoted on Social •Media: Facebook, Linked-In, as well as in our print publication.

2 FEATURED • 25-30 Word Company FEATURED SUPPLIER’S DIRECTORY • Mobile and accessible for readers to use and for towers on the go.

PRODUCTS PREMIUM SUPPLIERS Description Quarterly

Quarterly

•

Tow Professional Quarterly Digital Edition Featured Products •

ROTATORS, HEAVY EQUIPMENT, WHEEL LIFT & REPO EQUIPMENT

JERR-DAN

Headquartered in Hagerstown, Maryland, we proudly manufacture our vehicles in McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania. Jerr-Dan believes there are few professions that can match the heart and soul of a tow owner/operator.

(800) 926-9666

info@jerrdan.com | www.jerrdan.com

• • • •

Custom Built

Dynamic Towing Equipment Manufacturing

Dynamic created the Original Self-Loading Wheel-Lift that has become the most sought after technology in the towing industry.

(757) 624-1360

anthonydynamic@mac.com | www.dynamicmfg.com

Austin Hinds Motors, Inc.

Custom Built Manufacturing was founded by Derek Dangelo, owner of Dangelo’s Auto Body and Repairs.. Custom Built opened with a focus on manufacturing the highest quality, custom heavy duty wreckers for the towing industry.

Let Austin Hinds Motors show you how easy it is to buy a quality new or used car in Arab . We believe fair prices, superior service, and treating customers right leads to satisfied repeat buyers.

(800) 540-5151

(256) 586-8161

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McMahon Truck Centers of Columbus

www.austinhindsmotors.com

Rick’s Truck & Equipment

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Rick’s Truck and Equipment offers a wide selection of competitively-priced vehicles as well as parts and service. Call us today and let our professional staff help you find what you’re looking for.

(800) 639-4537

www.ricksrollbacks.com

43 | Tow Professional | Q2 21 | www.towprofessional.com

OPTIONS

PLASTIC POLY FENDER WHICH ARE LIGHTER, YET STRONGER AND WILL NEVER RUST 8000LB RAMSEY WINCH STAINLESS STEEL PYLON

For more infomation, visit: www.dynamicmfg.com or anthonydynamic@mac.com.

38 | Tow Professional | Q2 21 | www.towprofessional.com

Call 205-223-4548 or email, Darian Weaver at darian@towprofessional.com Editorial Coverage QUARTER 1 64

Towing Software and Lighting

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 4 | www.towprofessional.com

QUARTER 2

Rotators, Heavy Equipment, 5th Wheel Attachments, Wheel-Lifts and

Cost For Full Year WWW.TOWPROFESSIONAL.COM FULL PAGE

Specs: Price: $ 3,000

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