The Great Wolf Lodge welcomes back the towing and recovery community for the 47th Midwest Regional Tow Show, and the excitement is palpable. As Bruce Bender, Executive Director of both the Midwest Tow Show and TRAA, reveals in this engaging conversation, this isn't just another industry event – it's a homecoming that attendees have been clamoring for.

What makes this show special? It's where the proceeds directly benefit the industry through legislative advocacy and support programs rather than corporate profits. The Injured Drivers Fund stands as a testament to the industry's commitment to taking care of its own, providing critical financial assistance to tow operators sidelined by injury or illness. This fund, supported by the show's popular auction, has become a model for other industries seeking to create similar safety nets for their professionals.

Family lies at the heart of this gathering, earning it the well-deserved reputation as the industry's most family-friendly event. While parents network and explore the latest innovations on the show floor, children enjoy supervised activities like the Little Towers Beach Party and Movie Night. The Great Wolf Lodge's water park adds another dimension of fun that keeps families returning year after year.

The event honors those lost in the line of duty through a moving Celebration of Life ceremony, complete with a Slow Down, Move Over awareness parade and candlelight vigil. This solemn reminder of the dangers towers face daily underscores the importance of industry advocacy and safety initiatives.

From hazmat training with Perry Beatty to specialized seminars throughout the weekend, the educational opportunities provide immediate value to attendees. Evening events like the spectacular truck Light Show, Texas Hold'em tournament, and Saturday night karaoke create the perfect atmosphere for building the relationships that form the backbone of this tight-knit community.

With September 25-27 quickly approaching and rooms at the Great Wolf Lodge filling fast, now's the time to secure your place at this industry cornerstone. Register today at midwesttowshow.org and join the family reunion that towers have been waiting for.

The roads we travel daily might seem ordinary, but for towing professionals, they're battlegrounds where safety concerns and technological innovation collide. In this compelling conversation with Krista Tomasso, Central Vice President of the Towing and Recovery Professionals of North Carolina, we explore the rapidly approaching Mid-Atlantic Tow Expo happening September 4-6 at the Jim Graham Building in Raleigh.

The towing industry stands at a technological crossroads, with artificial intelligence emerging as a game-changer. From automated dispatch systems to digital payment processing, AI applications are revolutionizing how towers operate. Yet despite these advancements, Krista emphasizes that safety remains the industry's most pressing concern: "The most pressing issue is keeping our drivers safe, bringing our families home at the end of the night." This commitment to safety manifests in comprehensive training opportunities at the expo, including a free four-hour TIMS certification course and specialized electric vehicle handling sessions.

What truly distinguishes this event from corporate shows is its community-centered approach. As TRPNC celebrates its 45th anniversary, the expo features not just educational components but memorable social experiences—an 80s-themed meet-and-greet, a popular Drive Shack outing, and a $10,000 reverse raffle that creates palpable excitement on the show floor. These gatherings foster crucial knowledge sharing that Krista describes perfectly: "A lot of the bonding happens at the hotel bar... that's how this industry survives." Meanwhile, proceeds support vital legislative initiatives addressing industry challenges like fair compensation and public awareness of "Slow Down, Move Over" laws.

Whether you're a veteran tower or new to the industry, the Mid-Atlantic Tow Expo offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness innovation, strengthen your skills, and connect with peers who understand your daily challenges. Join us in Raleigh this September—register today at nctowing.org and be part of shaping the future of towing and recovery.

Ever feel like you're falling behind in the towing industry's technology race? The game is changing fast, and those who adapt are winning the most profitable contracts.

Paul Giese, a second-generation tower with 30 years of experience, has seen the evolution firsthand. When modern vehicles with electronic transmissions and parking brakes started causing headaches for his company, he discovered the Rescue Track system – specialized equipment that's changing how progressive towers handle complex recoveries.

The beauty of this technology lies in its simplicity and safety. Unlike traditional methods using dollies or go-jacks that risk damage claims, Rescue Track lifts vehicles by their tires only, eliminating contact with vulnerable body components. This approach has opened doors to premium contracts with luxury dealerships who now request this recovery method exclusively. As Paul explains, "One high-end dealership told us: we want every vehicle towed into the dealership on that machine."

What's particularly surprising is the system's versatility beyond its obvious applications for EVs and parking garages. Rural towers are finding tremendous value too, using it for everything from recovering vehicles with electronic problems to moving disabled vehicles between service bays at dealerships. This versatility creates multiple revenue streams from a single investment.

The financial benefits extend beyond premium service charges. By allowing one truck with one driver to handle challenging recoveries that previously required multiple units, the system improves operational efficiency. Towers report getting referrals from competitors and dealerships outside their normal service area specifically requesting this technology.

Ready to explore how this game-changing equipment could transform your towing business? Contact Paul Giese at Advanced Track Solutions: 605-799-3977 or visit advancedtracksolutions.com to learn about financing options specifically designed for seasonal towing businesses.

Picture this: You're driving down the highway, GPS navigation running, when suddenly your phone announces "Emergency vehicle ahead." Thirty seconds later, you spot a tow truck on the shoulder. That alert might have just saved a life.

Behind this life-saving technology is Haas Alert's Safety Cloud, a digital alerting system revolutionizing roadside safety for tow operators across the globe. In an industry where professionals face constant danger working mere feet from speeding traffic, traditional safety methods like bright lights and cones have limitations – they require a driver's attention to be effective. But in today's world of distracted driving, that attention is increasingly hard to capture.

Safety Cloud takes a fundamentally different approach. When a tow operator activates their emergency lights, the system automatically sends digital alerts upstream to approaching drivers through multiple platforms – Waze, Apple Maps, and directly into compatible vehicles from manufacturers like Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, and Volkswagen. This 20-30 second advance warning gives distracted drivers critical time to slow down and move over before they even see the flashing lights.

What sets Safety Cloud apart from competitors is its comprehensive coverage and specific emergency vehicle iconography. While some alternatives only alert through Waze with generic hazard notifications, Safety Cloud delivers emergency vehicle-specific alerts across multiple platforms that reach millions of drivers. Plus, subscribers gain access to real-time GPS tracking, detailed trip metrics, and soon, IFTA reporting – all included in the $199 annual subscription.

The system's growth has been remarkable, now serving approximately 5,000 organizations globally including throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and beyond. For tow operators and their families, it represents more than just technology – it's peace of mind, protection against rising insurance costs, and most importantly, a powerful tool in the mission to ensure everyone makes it home safely at the end of each shift.

Ready to think differently about roadside safety? Contact Tom Parbs at Tom@HaasAlert.com to learn how Safety Cloud can protect your operators and reduce your roadside risks. After all, nothing is more valuable than getting home safely to your family.

The electric vehicle revolution isn't just changing how we drive—it's transforming roadside assistance forever. In this eye-opening conversation with Ron Sledzieski, founder of EV Road Hero, we uncover a game-changing opportunity for tow operators nationwide.

Forget everything you thought you knew about handling stranded EVs. Ron introduces us to mobile EV rescue charging—a faster, safer, and far easier alternative to traditional towing methods. His portable 200-pound charging unit delivers ultra-clean power that can provide stranded electric vehicles with 5-10 miles of range in just 20 minutes—enough to reach the nearest charging station.

What makes this solution revolutionary isn't just the technology; it's the business model. Tow operators can charge around $200 per rescue ($100 plug fee plus $100 for the charging session), completing the service in a fraction of the time a traditional tow requires. For operators already receiving calls about stranded EVs, this $4,995 investment could transform their business efficiency and profitability.

We explore fascinating revenue opportunities beyond simple rescue charging, including subscription-based "range anxiety insurance" that provides passive income from EV owners seeking peace of mind. One operator already has 83 monthly subscribers at $19.99 each while averaging just one actual service call per month!

Ron clarifies the crucial distinction between "rescue charging" (emergency roadside assistance) and "convenience charging" (non-emergency full charges), explaining why his solution is specifically designed for roadside emergencies. He also shares exciting developments in grid-based commercial charging stations with simplified tap-to-pay systems.

Ready to position your towing business at the forefront of this growing market? Connect with Ron directly at 203-710-9300 or visit evroadhero.com to learn how you can turn stranded EVs into one of your most profitable service calls.

Step into the world of towing excellence as DJ Harrington and Darian Weaver explore the remarkable stories featured in the latest issue of Tow Professional Magazine.

At the heart of this episode is an inspiring profile of 92-year-young Marilyn Rogers, whose journey from aspiring pharmacist's wife to towing industry pioneer began during a 1957 blizzard. After witnessing tragedy, Marilyn and husband Dewey purchased their first wrecker and launched what would become a towering legacy. Her story showcases true resilience – from dispatching calls and driving trucks to becoming the Wisconsin Towing Association's second female president and cleverly talking her family out of a hostage situation.

Join Darian as he shares exclusive insights from his recent tour of Towmate's manufacturing compound in Bentonville, Arkansas. What looks like a single facility from the outside reveals itself as an impressive multi-building operation where innovation happens daily. Witness how Brian Anderson transformed wireless towing lights over 40 years, creating manufacturing capabilities that can take products from concept to production in just three days.

The hosts also highlight cutting-edge equipment developments from Warrior Winch, whose T1000 series compact winch pulls 25,000 pounds while remaining lightweight. Learn about their Armortech synthetic rope that delivers steel-equivalent strength at a fraction of the weight – technology Darian has personally relied on when stuck in four feet of mud.

Discover how towing operators can generate additional revenue through EV charging stations, a diversification strategy that proved critical during pandemic slowdowns. The episode provides actionable insights about maintenance, facility outfitting, and preparing for industry evolution.

Ready to enhance your towing business with expert guidance? Subscribe, download, and share the Tow Professional Podcast – the authentic voice of towing and recovery professionals who serve with heart.

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.