Tow Business Podcast

There’s No Business Like Tow Business Running a towing business in today's world is tough. The Tow Business Podcast focuses on towing business topics and discusses all topics that relate to owning and operating a successful towing company. We welcome all show ideas and feedback.

Let's Talk AI, and... - 145 07/07/2025

Current News and Discussions - 144 06/30/2025

DOT Compliance With Brian Riker - 143 06/09/2025

Which One Are You? - 142 05/19/2025

Talking Peer Groups With Bert King - 141 04/28/2025

Talking Peer Groups With Bert King - 141 Chapters Introduction to the Tow Business Podcast Florida Tow Show Recap New Initiatives in Towing Owner's Groups Discussion Consulting Insights from Burt King The Role of Ego in Business Marketing Strategies for Towers Interest in Owner's Groups Personal Experiences and Accountability Contact Information and Closing Remarks Long Summary In this episode of the Tow Business Podcast, we delve deep into the intricacies of the towing industry, drawing insights from our recent experiences and interactions at the Florida Tow Show and the Tow Summit. The conversation kicks off with reflections on the weather's impact on business. We touch on the fluctuating attendance at the Florida Tow Show, analyzing feedback from attendees and vendors alike, while acknowledging the evolving landscape of these events. There’s an air of camaraderie as we discuss the importance of familiar faces and new connections we made, highlighting the value of community within this sometimes isolating industry. A significant announcement from this episode is the formation of the American Towing Advocates Association, a collective aimed at enhancing the industry's image and addressing long-standing issues such as insurance treatments and operational challenges. I elaborate on my new role as vice chair, expressing the urgency and importance of having a unified voice to advocate for better practices and respect on our highways. This association is not just about voicing concerns; it's about being proactive in addressing the issues we face in our day-to-day operations. We shift our focus to the concept of owner’s groups and the enormous potential they hold for individual businesses and the towing industry as a whole. I’m joined by Burt King, a respected figure in the towing consulting realm, who explains the value of joining peer groups for accountability and shared wisdom. Burt elaborates on his journey from operating a successful towing company to becoming a consultant who helps others achieve their business goals. We discuss the critical need for towing professionals to understand their finances, emphasizing how many operators inadvertently neglect this aspect, often leading to unsustainable practices. Throughout our discussion, we highlight the importance of managing ego and fear in decision-making processes. We share personal stories that showcase how emotional responses to business challenges can cloud judgment and lead to long-term pitfalls. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace the benefits of collaboration, to lean on one another, and to move away from a mindset of competition towards one of community and shared growth. Burt outlines the tangible benefits of being part of an owner's group, including insightful feedback from peers on company operations and financial health. He provides examples of how simple conversations lead to innovative solutions, demonstrating the diverse perspectives that can be drawn from operators across different regions. By sharing their unique challenges and successes, towing companies can learn from one another, avoiding costly mistakes and helping to raise the industry standard overall. We conclude the episode by inviting listeners to consider joining owner groups and supporting the newly launched American Towing Advocates Association. I emphasize the critical nature of being involved, not just for personal growth, but for the collective elevation of the towing profession. This episode serves as a rallying call to the towing community, urging everyone to embrace collaboration, professionalism, and proactive change to foster a brighter future for our industry. Brief Summary In this episode of the Tow Business Podcast, we explore the nuances of the towing industry, sharing insights gained from the Florida Tow Show and the Tow Summit. I discuss the significance of community in our field, noting the formation of the American Towing Advocates Association, where I serve as vice chair, to address key industry issues effectively. Joining me is Burt King, who emphasizes the value of owner’s groups for accountability and financial clarity among towing professionals. We reflect on the emotional challenges in decision-making and advocate for collaboration over competition, highlighting how peer interactions can lead to innovative solutions. We conclude by encouraging listeners to engage with owner groups and support the movement toward a unified and professional towing industry. /episode/index/show/towbusinesspodcast/id/36326450

Tow Summit Highlights - 140 04/14/2025

How Are You Dealing With Increased Costs - 139 03/31/2025

You Broke My Broken Liftgate! - 138 03/10/2025

Straight From Traxero - 137 02/03/2025

Scam Talk With Dennis McGowan - 136 01/20/2025

Scam Talk With Dennis McGowan - 136 Welcome to the Tow Business Podcast, the towing industry’s longest-running show, where we dive deep into the latest news, insights, and innovations that can help you grow your tow business. Each episode is crafted to provide a wealth of information and promote professionalism in the industry and within your community. Our distinguished hosts, Jeff and Brad, bring together their diverse experiences and viewpoints to foster thoughtful discussions on the challenges and triumphs faced by today's towing professionals. In this podcast, our discussion often traverses various pressing topics, including real-time weather challenges that impact the towing business, such as the intense snowstorms frequently seen in Ohio where the hosts reside. Listeners engage with stories of busy towing operations during inclement weather, and how each storm brings its unique set of demands on the industry. Episodes frequently feature intriguing banter about regional coffee preferences among tow truck drivers, providing a hint of humor that connects listeners on a personal level. Moreover, we continuously strive to highlight the darker side of the towing industry, particularly the scams that can target both operators and customers alike. In each episode, we delve into pressing issues such as potentially predatory towing practices and the ongoing battle against unscrupulous actors. With guests like Dennis McGowan from Honk, we uncover the tactics being used in the field and how towers can protect themselves and their businesses. Discussions are comprehensive, featuring detailed insights into towing scams, regulation loopholes, and tips for avoiding pitfalls that can be detrimental to business operations. Our podcast goes beyond just highlighting challenges; we also emphasize the importance of community and support for towing associations. These organizations play a vital role in promoting ethical practices and establishing standards that protect both towers and consumers. The emphasis on the towing association’s support echoes the podcast's overarching message—be safe, be professional, and engage with regulatory bodies that advocate for our industry's integrity. Listeners can also expect a mix of stories highlighting innovative fixes and laughable experiences from the field, such as odd towing requests and the comical side of grave recovery situations. Each episode is filled with anecdotes that can help operators develop a more nuanced understanding of the various aspects of the business, from customer relations to equipment management. In addition to our enlightening discussions, we regularly shine a light on essential tools that can improve operational efficiency and customer service, such as Traxero’s towing management software. By partnering with industry leaders, we ensure that our listeners are equipped with the knowledge and technological tools needed to thrive in this ever-evolving industry. Ultimately, Tow Business Podcast serves as a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in or currently part of the towing industry. We strive to educate, entertain, and empower our listeners to take charge of their businesses with integrity and professionalism. As we navigate new challenges together, we invite you to join our community of towers dedicated to excellence in service. Subscribe, share our episodes, and let's continue to grow and elevate the towing industry together. 0:01 Intro Welcoming Dennis McGowan from Honk Understanding Towing Scams and Challenges Real-Life Towing Scams and Their Impact Exploring the Scope of Towing Regulations The Evolution of Scams in Towing The Importance of Verification in Towing The Role of Technology in Preventing Scams Marketing for Towing Companies Enhancing Efficiency with Software Solutions Navigating Bait and Switch Tactics The Cycle of Towing Regulations and Scams Conclusion and Call to Action /episode/index/show/towbusinesspodcast/id/34823655

The Winner Is... - 135 01/06/2025

Positive Tow Company News - 134 12/23/2024

Traxero Tow Industry Report -133 12/02/2024

Traxero Tow Industry Report -133 Chapters Introduction to Tow Business Podcast Opening Dialog Remembering Irvin Johns Traxero's 2024 State of Towing Report Marketing Opportunities for Towing Businesses Conclusion and Acknowledgments **Tow Business Podcast**: Your Ultimate Source for Towing Industry Insights In this episode, titled "Show 133," co-hosts Jeff and Brad share their thoughts and experiences related to the towing industry, while diving deep into the recently released 2024 State of Towing Annual Report by Traxero. As the longest-running podcast in the towing industry, the Tow Business Podcast aims to deliver crucial information and news to help listeners grow their businesses while promoting professionalism within the field. The episode opens with a conversation highlighting the cold Ohio winter and the anticipation of the upcoming Christmas party organized by Jeff’s company. They discuss the logistics and challenges of hosting a holiday gathering, all while keeping a light-hearted banter that draws listeners in. Brad shares a fun weekend adventure spent at Wind Rock Off Road Park, showcasing the camaraderie between the hosts and how they balance their professional lives with personal interests. As the episode transitions, they pay homage to Irvin Johns, the owner of Suburban Towing who recently passed away. Jeff recounts his memorable interactions with Irvin and how he contributed to the towing industry through innovative practices and exceptional service. The hosts remind listeners of the importance of respecting those who have positively impacted the community. The conversation then shifts to the core topic of the episode—the Traxero 2024 State of Towing Annual Report. Jeff and Brad provide insights from the report, which was collected from a significant number of towing professionals across the United States and Canada. Listeners are encouraged to download and read the report for a comprehensive understanding of its findings, which include data about company sizes, employee statistics, insurance challenges, and insights into operational efficiencies. One key finding discussed is the overwhelming challenge of increasing insurance costs faced by the majority of towers, with 67% of respondents indicating it as their top concern for 2024. The hosts candidly explore the ramifications of this issue on their businesses and emphasize the necessity for effective safety protocols to manage risk. The podcast further discusses the importance of seizing cash calls and growing commercial accounts, as well as optimizing impound operations. The hosts talk about the overlooked potential of impound yards and the importance of maximizing profit from this segment of the business. Hiring and retaining staff remains a pressing challenge within the industry, with various anecdotes illustrating the difficulties associated with finding reliable employees. Jeff and Brad also touch upon the critical role of marketing amid rising competition and economic challenges. They express concern over the lack of investment in marketing efforts by many towing companies, highlighting how this can hinder growth and customer acquisition. The conversation transitions into practical marketing strategies that can help businesses increase their digital presence and effectively capture cash call opportunities. As the episode wraps up, Jeff and Brad summarize various pivotal aspects of the report, reinforcing the idea that adapting business strategies in response to market data is essential for growth. They encourage listeners to remain informed and proactive in an ever-evolving industry landscape, voicing gratitude toward Traxero for producing such significant research and insights. Join Jeff and Brad on this engaging episode of the Tow Business Podcast for a detailed exploration of current challenges and opportunities in the towing industry, as well as valuable advice on enhancing business practices. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share your thoughts with the hosts for future show ideas! Miller industries Traxero Harbinger Marketing /episode/index/show/towbusinesspodcast/id/34210230