Bruce Bender brings his extensive industry knowledge and passionate advocacy to our podcast as he steps into his new role as Executive Director of TRAA. This conversation reveals the crucial behind-the-scenes work happening at the federal level to protect and advance the towing and recovery industry.

Bruce shares the significant announcement of his transition from Ohio Association leadership to the national stage, replacing retiring executive director Cynthia Martineau. His dedication to representing towers of all sizes becomes immediately apparent as he explains how TRAA works tirelessly as the industry's watchdog on Capitol Hill.

The heart of TRAA's advocacy happens during their annual Hill Day events, where towers directly educate lawmakers about industry challenges. Bruce recounts powerful moments when legislators learned that towing is more dangerous than crab fishing on "Deadliest Catch" and that operators often respond without guaranteed payment. These personal interactions have built crucial relationships with key committees and federal agencies, creating pathways for meaningful legislative change.

Beyond advocacy, we explore the tangible benefits of TRAA membership, from professional certifications to strategic partnerships offering substantial discounts from industry suppliers. Bruce makes a compelling case that supporting the national association isn't just good citizenship—it's smart business that protects your livelihood.

The conversation shifts to the exciting return of the 47th Annual Midwest Regional Tow Show to the Great Wolf Lodge this September. This family-friendly event combines business opportunities with entertainment, featuring no-cost educational sessions, networking opportunities, and special events supporting the Injured Drivers Fund.

Whether you're a veteran tower or new to the industry, Bruce's perspective illuminates how national representation strengthens the entire profession. Connect with TRAA at traaonline.com and consider joining them for Hill Day 2026 on February 24-25—because when it comes to protecting your business, having skilled advocates on your side makes all the difference.

The future of towing fleet safety has arrived, and it's smarter than you might expect. Tim Smith, Senior Fleet Solution Specialist at Azuga, joins the Tow Professional Podcast to unveil game-changing technology that's revolutionizing how towing companies protect their drivers, vehicles, and bottom line.

At the center of this revolution is Azuga's new SafetyCam Pro system, designed specifically for towing operations with support for up to four auxiliary cameras that can monitor every angle of a tow truck. The AI capabilities are nothing short of remarkable – detecting when drivers text, eat, or even start falling asleep. "If you're starting to fall asleep, the speakers inside will start blaring and say, 'Hey, pull over, pull over, you're asleep,'" Smith explains, highlighting how this technology goes beyond simply recording incidents to actively preventing them.

The integration with Coast fuel cards adds another layer of protection for tow company owners. These specialized Visa cards can be programmed to allow only specific purchases, and they work with GPS tracking to prevent a common industry problem – drivers filling personal vehicles on company time. "If they pull up to a gas pump and pull their wife's car right beside where theirs is and turn around and fill up their wife's vehicle with gas, the card actually knows it's not being pumped into the vehicle that's supposed to be filled up and it'll shut down the card," Smith reveals.

Perhaps most valuable to towing companies is how these technologies impact insurance costs. Beyond potential premium discounts, the real savings come from reducing claims and fighting fraudulent ones. Azuga's accident reconstruction capabilities overlay video footage with detailed data on speed, G-forces, and more, giving companies powerful evidence when disputes arise. Combined with their Driver Rewards Program that incentivizes safe behavior rather than punishing mistakes, it's a comprehensive approach to fleet safety that addresses the industry's biggest challenges.

Want to see these innovations firsthand? Visit Tim Smith at the American Towman Show in Dallas or contact him directly at tims@azuga.com or 205-728-9135 to learn how these technologies can transform your towing operation.

Four decades of lighting innovation comes to life in this illuminating conversation with Chris Anderson, Executive Vice President of TowMate. As the company celebrates its 40th anniversary, Anderson reveals how customer feedback drives their continuous product evolution and shapes their roadmap for the future.

The spotlight falls on TowMate's newest creation—the GlowMate series, a next-generation heavy-duty wireless bar featuring Optronics Glowlight technology. This breakthrough product combines enhanced durability with a distinctive neon-like glow and side marker lights that double as turn signals. Even more impressive is their upcoming fully programmable overhead bar offering 360-degree coverage with amber, red, white, and blue lighting options, allowing users to create jurisdiction-specific configurations with a single versatile product.

Anderson details how manufacturing in Rogers, Arkansas provides TowMate with unmatched quality control and responsiveness. "Feedback at a show on Friday, we're back in the office Monday working on a solution," he explains, highlighting how American manufacturing enables the company to quickly address customer needs without waiting for overseas shipments.

Battery technology remains at the forefront of TowMate's innovation strategy. From Milwaukee/DeWalt compatibility to their extended runtime XR and XR Plus series offering up to 60 hours of use on a single charge, the company provides multiple solutions to meet every operational need. Their lithium replacements for traditional lead-acid batteries deliver years of service instead of months, dramatically reducing maintenance requirements.

Looking beyond vehicle lighting, TowMate is expanding into comprehensive roadside safety with perimeter warning systems, cone-mounted alerts, and Hi-Vis personal lighting that illuminates safety vests without blinding workers or motorists. These developments reflect the company's evolution from a lighting manufacturer to a complete roadside safety solutions provider.

For towers seeking firsthand experience with these innovations, TowMate will showcase their products at upcoming industry events including the Texas Tow Expo, Midwest Regional Tow Show, Tennessee Tow Show, and the Baltimore Tow Show. Discover how four decades of American innovation continues to light the way toward safer roads for towing professionals.

Ready for the towing industry's biggest shows? September brings two of the year's most anticipated events, and this episode gives you the inside scoop on what makes them special.

The Mid-Atlantic Expo (September 4-6) transforms the North Carolina State Fairgrounds into a hub of industry innovation with over 75 vendors and 800+ serious industry professionals. As Darian explains, "You had owners perusing up and down the aisles looking for information," making it valuable for both attendees and exhibitors. The nearby attractions and affordable vendor rates create an experience that extends beyond just business.

But when DJ discusses the 47th Annual Midwest Regional Tow Show (September 25-27), his enthusiasm reaches another level. "It's the most family-friendly show of the year," he declares, describing how the Great Wolf Lodge venue becomes home to a complete experience for towing families. With dedicated "Little Tow-ers" activities each night including movies and pajama parties, no one is left out of the fun.

What truly distinguishes these state association shows from commercial events is their purpose and community impact. Every dollar spent at these shows funds critical industry needs: training programs, safety initiatives, and legislative advocacy. Unlike commercial shows that charge for seminars, these events offer all educational content at no extra cost. The Midwest show's Celebration of Life parade honors fallen towers, while their Injured Driver's Fund auction demonstrates the industry's commitment to taking care of its own.

The conversation shifts to groundbreaking EV solutions featured in Tow Professional Magazine, including Zips' new Firebox—a revolutionary containment system that protects against 5000°F lithium battery fires while preventing hazardous chemical leakage. This innovation not only enhances safety but creates potential new revenue streams for towing businesses.

Whether you're planning your show schedule or searching for the latest safety technology, this episode delivers essential insights for anyone committed to the towing profession. Subscribe today and join the community of professionals staying ahead in this rapidly evolving industry.

You've likely heard of PTO systems for hydraulic power, but have you considered what a game-changer a clutch pump could be for your operations? In this eye-opening conversation with the design team behind CW Mill Equipment Company, we uncover the surprising advantages of under-hood hydraulic systems that work whenever your engine is running.

Jason, John, and Darren Wenger bring decades of combined experience in hydraulic solutions to the table. As a third-generation family business, CW Mill has perfected the art of creating hydraulic power systems that look like they "grew there" on the engine block. Their clutch pump technology eliminates the high-RPM requirements of traditional PTOs, allowing silent operation that's particularly valuable when stealth matters – like when approaching a repo job where announcing your arrival with a revving diesel would spoil the mission.

The applications extend far beyond towing vehicles. From snow plows to salt spreaders, ambulance power systems to refrigerated delivery trucks, CW Mill's hydraulic solutions are powering critical operations across industries. Their latest designs accommodate everything from Ford F-250s through F-750s, the newest Kenworth and Peterbilt models, and specialized setups for Cummins engines. What separates their approach is the perfect balance of cutting-edge CAD design with old-school, hands-on development – often getting vehicles from manufacturers before they hit the market to ensure perfect integration.

Ready to explore how hydraulic power could transform your fleet's capabilities? Visit cwkits.com to browse their extensive catalog of mounting kits, find a distributor near you, or connect directly with their knowledgeable team at 800-743-3491. After 39 years in business, they've seen it all and can help solve your most challenging hydraulic power needs with solutions engineered for reliability and seamless integration.

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!

Warrior Winch isn't just another equipment manufacturer – they're a family-driven company reshaping the winch market through passionate innovation and genuine customer connection. In this compelling conversation, founder Jeff Bimson and new VP of Sales & Marketing Bryan Johnson reveal how direct feedback from towing professionals drives their product development.

The highlight of their recent innovations is the Armortek Extreme synthetic rope, engineered specifically for challenging towing conditions. Unlike standard synthetic options, this rope features a protective sheath that dramatically improves abrasion resistance while delivering 70% more strength at six times less weight than steel cable. For professionals who've been skeptical of synthetic ropes, this represents a genuine game-changer.

Beyond towing solutions, Warrior is strategically expanding into the off-road market with their upcoming Titan range for ATVs and UTVs. This move acknowledges the reality that many towing professionals also engage in off-road activities, creating natural product crossover opportunities. With capacities from 2,500 to 6,000 pounds, these winches will deliver the same reliability that towers have come to expect from the Warrior brand.

What truly distinguishes Warrior from competitors is their willingness to develop custom solutions. While many manufacturers require massive volumes to consider modifications, Warrior's agile design and manufacturing processes allow them to tackle specialized needs that others dismiss as too difficult. This problem-solving mindset dates back to their original name – "Winch Solutions" – and continues to define their approach today.

Despite challenges like potential tariff increases, Warrior remains committed to quality products at fair prices. As Jeff emphasizes, they'll absorb as much cost impact as possible rather than immediately passing increases to customers – a refreshing business philosophy that has earned them loyal followers throughout the industry.

Ready to experience the Warrior difference? Visit warriorwinches.com to explore their full product range and sign up for their monthly newsletter featuring exclusive discounts and industry insights.

From the bustling floor of the Florida Tow Show in Orlando comes a masterclass in diversifying and protecting your towing business. This eye-opening episode brings together two industry innovators who reveal strategies that could transform how you think about both insurance coverage and revenue streams.

Nick from X-Insurance pulls back the curtain on what truly comprehensive insurance looks like for towing professionals. Backed by Prime Insurance Company, they specialize in covering what other carriers won't touch – a crucial advantage in an industry filled with unique risks. DJ Harrington shares a sobering story about a 37-truck operation that saved a mere $16 monthly by not properly listing a driver, only to face thousands in uncovered expenses after an accident. His straight-shooting advice on properly scheduling all units, drivers, and operations could save listeners significant heartache and financial strain. Perhaps most fascinating is X-Insurance's remarkably diverse coverage options, from towing and commercial auto to recreational vehicles, aircraft, and even underwater mermaid shows.

The episode takes an unexpected turn when Jim Shellhaas of Ranger SST introduces a revolutionary business model that's disrupting the traditional private property impounding approach. His parking management solution transforms the towing professional's role from simply removing vehicles to managing entire parking systems for properties. The numbers are staggering – instead of focusing on incrementally increasing impounds, operators can tap into the much larger population of vehicles they monitor for passive, recurring revenue through paid permitting. Jim outlines how property managers are actively seeking these solutions as they increase asset values, and how separating your parking management services from impounding operations creates a more balanced approach that avoids the perception of predatory practices.

Ready to stop leaving money on the table? This episode delivers actionable insights for the entrepreneurial tower looking to both protect their business and discover untapped revenue streams. Whether you're looking for insurance that truly has your back or a way to generate income while you sleep, these industry experts offer the roadmap to get you there.