Jerry Barbour opens up about the remarkable transformation of the Towing Recovery Professionals of North Carolina (TRPNC) and their upcoming Mid-Atlantic Tow Show. As a third-generation tower whose family has been in the business since 1955, Jerry brings decades of hands-on experience to his role as association president, carrying forward the momentum built by his predecessor Kerry Fogg.

The conversation reveals how TRPNC has evolved from a small gathering to a major industry event, now boasting their largest and most responsive board ever. Jerry emphasizes their mission to support towers beyond just business growth: "We're looking to better this industry, to bring up the new generation, understanding that you need to be part of an association instead of just being a lone wolf out there with no support or backing behind you."

Their flagship event, the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Tow Show (September 4-6), has expanded dramatically to feature over 70 vendors and nearly 1,000 attendees. The upcoming show will offer an impressive lineup of certified training opportunities including EV response classes from Allstate, hazmat recertification with Perry Abatey, TIMS certification, and professional dispatch training with Mike Porter. Beyond education, the event features networking activities and the increasingly competitive Show and Shine truck competition, now rivaling major national contests.

Jerry also addresses current regulatory challenges facing North Carolina towers, particularly around booting and predatory towing legislation. His pragmatic approach acknowledges the need for some regulation while advocating for fairness: "We understand regulations have got to be had, but we just want it to be fair for everybody."

What makes association shows like this truly special is where the proceeds go - directly back into training, legislative advocacy, and initiatives that make roads safer for tow professionals. It's this reinvestment that builds not just better businesses, but a stronger brotherhood ready to support each other in times of need.

Ready to join the towing community that's making real change happen? Contact TRPNC at 919-921-8194 or trpnc@nctowing.org and mark your calendar for September 4-6!