The Walkaround

Dennie Ortiz

Publisher The Here and Now

DEATH IS AN INEVITABLE aspect of life though it is rarely easy to accept the loss of a loved one. This year has been very difficult for many families with the increasing number of deaths due to Covid-19.

Towers are no strangers to death as they have long learned the dangers of working the roadways and have gravely come to understand that this industry faces a disproportionate loss of life. Slow Down Move Over, just can’t be shouted loud enough.

As if this profession isn’t dangerous enough there is always the potential of danger simply from dealing with customers day in and day out. Randall Resch tackles this sometimes overlooked threat in his article Dealing with Angry Motorists. He touches on the importance of remaining calm when faced with aggressive persons where your reaction can make the difference between life and death.

Our heart and prayers go out to everyone that has suffered loss this year. A couple of months ago in September, well-known trainer and industry veteran, Howard “Scooby” Eagan succumbed after a long battle with cancer. I remember meeting Scooby 20 years ago and remarking “You are quite the character.” Anyone whoever had the benefit of meeting Scooby would agree and then-some.

A touching tribute to this industry icon can be read on page 50 in the Lowdown, where his long-time friend and colleague, John Sweezy Jr. remembers Scooby with a humorous and moving eulogy.

Also later in this issue Terry Abejuela, in the Tow Engineer department, discusses how flat tire service is one of the most dangerous services that tow operators perform. He provides us with very helpful suggestions for changing flat tires for both tower and motorist alike (I had my 18-year old son read this piece) because everyone should know how to change a tire safely.

As we all know any recovery has its potential for mishap and injury, but not in the recovery featured in this issue. A Miner Witch, what’s that? Kentucky towers learned first-hand by having to recover this 230,000 lb over-turned load! Well read on to learn more in Jim Sorrenti’s recovery piece.

Switching the proverbial gears … as we all grow older, succession planning is an important part of preparing for the future. On page 28 you can read the story of two different companies and how they transitioned their business with great results.

As we keep to the management side of the business, Brian Riker talks to an enterprising tower in Utah who not only has built a very prosperous towing operation, but has gone one step further and begun a program to help get other towing businesses started and put on the path to success.

Enjoy the issue and as always … stay safe out there.

Dennie Ortiz Steve Calitri Brendan Dooley Randall Resch Terry Abejuela Jim “Buck” Sorrenti David Kolman Bill Simmons Mark Lacek Brian Riker Publisher Editor-In-Chief Editor Operations Editor Field Editor, West Field Editor, Northeast Chassis Editor Safety Editor Repo Run Editor Contributing Editor

Editorial Board

Tommy Anderson Dallas, Texas

Roy Carlson Saint Paul, Minn.

Debbie Collins Las Vegas, Nev.

Belinda Harris Greensboro, N.C.

Bill Johnson South Hadley, Mass. Ron Mislan Warren, N.J. Kurt Wilson Creve Coeur, Ill.

American Towman Staff

Gina Johnson Page Layout Artist

Dennie Ortiz Advertising Sales Mgr.

Ellen Rosengart Senior Account Exec.

Norma Calitri VP of Accounts

Henri Calitri Customer Service

Patrice Gesner Subscription Manager Peggy Calabrese Regional Advertising Sales Ryan Oser iMarketing Manager Emily Oz ATTV Producer

Steve Calitri President

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