American Towman Magazine - July 2012 by dortiz-towman

Number 103 on Reader Card

Number 146 on Reader Card

Number 109 on Reader Card

FEATURE CONTENTS Mission Towing in Mission, Texas, has regular recoveries of trucks and SUVs from the Rio Grande.

AT Expo Firsts The 24th Annual Towman Exposition has several firsts, from the World Tow Conference to the Towman Ballad Check it all out and register early!

On a Mission David Escalera is a second-generation tower on the Texas border who loves to do recoveries. by Brendan Dooley

Departments Low Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 News Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Road Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 AD Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Work Horse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Tow Boss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Repo Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 On Sreeen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 My Baby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Green Towing Consider all the angles if you’re considering adding hybrids or CNG trucks to your fleet. by Mickey Mills

Recording Recoveries Shooting video of recoveries in progress may be easier than you think. by Emily Oz

Towman’s Market . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Adventures of A.T. . . . . . . . . . . . .69 TOWMAN.COM - July 2012 • 5

Beyond Reality by Steve Calitri

T welcomes aboard repo professional, Mark Lacek, formerly co-publisher of the old Repo Magazine. Mark will be writing every month on all things Repo and he kicks off his Repo Run column in this issue by lacing into the repo reality TV shows. He puts some extra sting into his criticism of the Lizard Lick show. Reality TV shows have given the towing industry a mixed bag of public relations. The Wrecked show has been mostly positive. But others have cast an extremely negative image on the towing trade, an industry long suffering in its public image long before reality shows. The repo industry of course has always had image issues simply because of the conflict inherent in repo work. Many if not most towing companies stay away from this work, and those that tackle it, often do so under an alias company, so as not to tarnish the towing company name. Conflict is precisely what makes good drama on TV. The Lizard Lick show is, in the eyes of its viewers and producers, good TV. To make it good TV, the show’s directors find ways at every turn to sensationalize the conflict and exaggerate the action. As Mark points out in his article, the acts portrayed on the show are beyond reality. Unfortunately, the average dumbed-down viewer of the show probably believes the actuality of what he or she is watching, not quite figuring that each show and plot is very much scripted. To the detriment of the towing industry, the difference between the repo and the towing profession is lost to most viewers. To the detriment of the

6 • July 2012 - TOWMAN.COM

repo industry, the difference between reality and pure show business is also lost among the viewers. Just about every TV show of every kind portrays characters with a lot of attitude. The Lizard Lick characters play up their “attitude” to the hilt for the cause of good TV, ratings and money. More than the issue of industry image, the bigger question may be, what effect is the show having on repo volume? Who wants the likes of the Lizard hunting down your car? (Which leads me to think that the auto manufacturing industry and finance companies see value in the success of the show.) So I don’t know what the towing or repo professionals can do to alter the show’s success, or its nature. But I think maybe Mark does. Speaking of image, New Jersey towman Frank Sanchez travels to San Antonio, Texas, in August for the cause of helping the industry address town boards for rate hikes. Getting city officials to respect towing professionals and all that goes into the business is the key to an effective relationship with police and town politicians. Also for the cause of our industry’s image, in Baltimore this November, Festival Night premieres the Ballad of the American Towman, a song destined to be an industry favorite, and maybe a pop hit. Note the AT Expo brochure in the center section of this issue. On page 62, American Towman’s Emily Oz introduces creative possibilities for live video and recovery work in her column, On Screen. The ATTV anchor and producer uses her feel for video work and today’s technology to show towing professionals a way to up their recovery game.

Publisher Dennie Ortiz Editor-In-Chief Steve Calitri Editor Brendan Dooley Operations Editor Randall Resch Field Editors Terry Abejuela Jim “Buck” Sorrenti Chassis Editor David Kolman Safety Editor Bill Simmons “On Screen” Editor Emily Oz Repo Run Editor Mark Lacek Editorial Board Tommy Anderson; Dallas, Texas Roy Carlson; St. Paul, Minn. Gary Coe; Portland, Ore. Belinda Harris; Greensboro, N.C. Amado Llorens; Hialeah, Fla. Ron Mislan; Warren, N.J. Chuck Swider; Chicopee, Mass. Frank Sanchez; Bridgewater, N.J. Page Layout Artist Ann Marie Nitti Advertising Sales Manager Dennie Ortiz Senior Account Executive Ellen Rosengart VP of Accounts Norma Calitri VP of Communications Neila Smith Subscription Manager Miriam Ortiz Customer Service Henri Calitri Publisher’s Assistant Sintora “Toni” Vanderhorst Tow Industry Week Media Director William Burwell American Towman TV Program Director Emily Oz American Towman Media Headquarters 7 West Street, Warwick, NY 10990 800-732-3869 or 845-986-4546 President Steve Calitri E-mail: Publisher: dortiz@towman.com Editor-In-Chief: scalitri@towman.com Editor: bdooley@towman.com AT’S Digital Edition: itowman.com AT’S Website: towman.com AT’S Weekly: towindustryweek.com ATTV: americantowmantv.com Copyright ©2012 American Towman Magazine is published 12 times a year by American Towman Media, Inc. Subscription: $50–1 yr; $95–2 yrs • US $65 and $105 • International Editorial Policy: the act of mailing or delivering a letter or article to American Towman Magazine, shall constitute permission to publish that letter or article or any portion thereof. American Towman Magazine reserves the right to edit any and all material submitted.

Number 111 on Reader Card

Plan Suspended for Police to Tow A shortage of manpower in the Indian province of Mumbai police force delayed plans to move services from private towers to police workers. The Mumbai Police had decided to do away with private agency tows based on consumer complaints over pricing. The city police decided to deploy its own towing vehicles, operated by its own personnel. This move, already to have started, was postponed due to the poor condition of police towing equipment and a shortage of constables. Source: www.indianexpress.com

NYC Begins Booting Ticket Scofflaws New York City was set to start installing wheel boots on the cars of parking ticket scofflaws in the outer boroughs at press time. When a car has more than $350 in judgments, a city sheriff will authorize Paylock to attach a boot. The city launched the program starting in Brooklyn, then moving to Queens and Staten Island before being expanded citywide. Booting “could be a better collection tool, both more convenient for

motorists and a potential deterrent for future violators,” said a city spokesperson. In addition to the ticket fines, the driver will have to pay a $180 boot fee, a $70 city fee and a 5 percent surcharge on the total bill. There will be an additional fee for paying with a credit card. A car that gets the boot could still be towed if the driver doesn’t pay in two days, which adds a $185 towing fee.

Texas Tower

A Hero Jeff Smith, a driver for Safari Towing in McKinney, Texas, was hailed a hero in late April when his quickthinking actions saved the life of a trapped motorist. Jeff recently shared the experience with American Towman. “I saw a blue SUV in the middle of the road. I immediately parked my truck between the big rig and the SUV. As soon as I got out of the truck I heard a lady screaming. … I ran to her vehicle and tried to open both front doors with no luck. … The dash was already crashed into the lady’s feet and trapped her into the car.” Smith then broke the window with his hand, but couldn’t get the door open from the inside handle. He grabbed a hammer and crowbar from his truck, but couldn’t force the door open. “In the corner of my eye I saw flames growing higher … I knew if I left the car where it was the flames and smoke 8 • July 2012 - TOWMAN.COM

from the big truck would engulf this little car and she would die. … “All the training we do at Safari Towing came into play. I pulled my truck around, lowered my flatbed down and hooked my winch cable up to her vehicle and dragged her car with her in it into the center island away from the flames and smoke. While pulling her car to safety, the fire department arrived.”

... Booted cars can still be towed after two days ... Canadian Tower Shot At press time, police in Peel, Ontario, Canada, were still trying to identify a suspect in a shooting of a tow truck driver. The victim was near his parked truck outside a restaurant when he was shot. The man sustained injuries to both legs and was sent to hospital. According to police, the victim was shot with a handgun and is expected to recover. A police source said the man was targeted over a prior dispute. Source: www.mississauga.com

Rotation vs. ‘Wild West’ in Buffalo Following recent reports of police bribery by tow companies and a tower who was shot at an accident scene, officials in Buffalo, N.Y., announced a new policy on towing in the city. A decision was made to go to a set rotation, removing any discretion from police on-scene. The new policy assigns calls on a weekly rotation basis (two companies were approved as city towers at press time), and it requires that a parking enforcement officer be at all accident scenes to ensure the policy is enforced. Other companies have applied to join the rotation and the city is doing background checks on them. Source: www.wgrz.com

Freightliner Cascadia Hits 10+ mpg Freightliner Trucks' new 2014 Cascadia Evolution powered by the newly designed Detroit DD15 engine and featuring enhanced aerodynamic specs delivered 10.67 mpg recently. The optimally spec’d truck was equipped with the Detroit DT12 automated manual transmission, wide-base tires, a 6x2 drivetrain, and aerodynamic trailer enhancements. Source: FreightlinerTrucks.com

Training Draws Students from 10 States Zip's Truck Equipment in New Hampton, Iowa, hosted students from 10 states and Canada for a WreckMaster weeklong training course recently. Out-of-state students descended on Iowa from as far as Hawaii, Alabama, Louisiana and Arizona, as well as Maryland, Nebraska, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Winnipeg. The program moves students from 2/3 certification up to 6/7 Students at the WreckMaster weeklong and Air Cushion (provided they session worked on scenarios from lightto heavy-duty. pass the tests); they attended classroom sessions in Zip's 100 seat training/conference room. Live scenarios for the hands-on portion of the class were set up at Zip's Recovery Training Grounds (which offers a variety of field conditions and grades), and at Zip's sales facility. Casualties included automobiles, a bus, loaded and unloaded trailers, a tanker-trailer and cement mixer.

AAA Projects 7.9M Stranded Motorists The summer travel season officially kicked off with the Memorial Day weekend. AAA estimates its share of stranded summer drivers to be 7.9 million motorists between Memorial Day and Labor Day. “Millions of Americans are expected to take road trips during the summer months and, unfortunately, many of them will end up stranded by the roadway,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “There is a definite increase in calls compared to spring and fall,” said Chuck Anderson, owner of Nolte’s Towing in Oshkosh, Wis., in speaking with American Towman. Oshkosh is on a main north-south thoroughfare for summer travelers going to cabins and cooler areas in Wisconsin’s Northwoods and

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This summer, AAA will remedy over half of motorists’ car problems at the roadside. However, an estimated 3.4 million drivers will suffer more significant troubles that will require towing to a place of repair. “We don’t add drivers, but schedules can change daily for the changing workloads in summer,” Anderson said. Source: AAA

TOWMAN.COM - July 2012 • 9

Check Out What’s NEW and HOT!

Warning Lights Elevate Above Wreck

Landoll Wireless Remote Upgraded Landoll Corp. upgraded its optional Wireless Remote Control for Traveling Axle and Traveling Tail trailers with a new handheld transmitter for the MACROseries radios. The new remote features a shock-resistant rubber case; the transmitter comes in a sealed waterproof case with a working distance of up to 300’. The system has also been upgraded to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

www.landoll.com Number 200 on Reader Card

Lube-A-Boom Clear Aerosol LAB’s new Lube-A-Boom Clear Aerosol is a heavy-duty silicone lubricant that lubricates and penetrates on components that slide, rotate, roll or squeak. It leaves a clear anti-corrosive film that helps prevent rust. Available in 11 oz. aerosol can.

Delta Force Lockout Kit The Delta Force Lockout Kit from Next Generation Tool Co. combines the Three-Piece Long Reach tool, Inflatable Wedge and Rhino Pry Wedge in one kit that comes in a red canvas carrying case.

www.lubeaboom.com Number 202 on Reader Card

www.nextgentool.com Number 201 on Reader Card

Roller Skate Trailer Attachment Bulldog Towing Products’ new Roller Skate Trailer Attachment received some real-world testing where it helped pull a 14’ trailer (loaded with two quads) onto a 19’ flatbed carrier in less than three minutes. The skate’s four casters manage 770 lbs. each.

dvanced Warning Systems, from Russ Automotive, launched its HighLites Advanced Warning System to protect both responders and ongoing traffic. AWS merges two technologies to ensure that roadside emergencies and responders are easily detected. A hydraulic platform lifts a specially engineered LED lightbar above casualties so that roadside responders cannot be missed.

Created by a towing operator with more than 25 years of experience, HighLites AWS is tailored to serve every type of emergency roadside situation. We spent years developing HighLites AWS, including hours of roadside testing. They can’t slow down and move over if they don’t know you’re there.

www.RussAutomotive.com Number 204 on Reader Card

www.bulldogtowingproducts.com Number 203 on Reader Card

TOWMAN.COM - July 2012 • 11 10 • July 2012 - TOWMAN.COM

ADVERTISER

ACTION PAGE

AD INDEX

Fax To: 888-847-6035 Page #

AAA

RS#

Page #

RS#

50, 51

179

North American BanCard

109

Akins Body & Carrier Sales

126

NRC Industries, Inc.

111

B/A Products

108

Pierce Sales

117

Blades Tow Right

216

Purpose Wrecker Sales

212

Crouch’s Wrecker & Equip. Sales 65

177

Quest Roadside Services

199

Rams Trucks

20, 21

185

Dual-Tech

144

Equipment Sales & Service

150

Sovereign/Santander

103

Gwinnett Place Wr. & Carr. Div.

207

Specialty Veh. & Eqp. Funding Grp. 71

195

Hino Motor Sales USA, Inc.

142

TomTom Works

180

Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA)

110

Towing Recovery Assoc. of Ohio 55

141

Jerr-Dan Corp.

124

Towlot.com

159

Jiffy Jump

164

TowMate

191

Lift and Tow

139

Twin State Equipment

157

Matheny Motors Truck Co.

Miller Industries

194

United Road Towing

189

36, 37

143

Western States Tow Show

153

146

Worldwide Equipment Sales

151

171

Zip’s Truck Equipment

140

Muncie Power Products New England Truckmaster

12 • July 2012 - TOWMAN.COM

July 2012 For more product info, go to www.towman.com and click on the FREE Product info icon. Or circle the corresponding reader service number on the Action Card to the right, and send it in. Form is valid for three months

Number 194 on Reader Card

Western Star 4700 Test Drive

here’s little I enjoy more than putting a new truck through its paces. So when I was offered the opportunity to check out, hands-on, Western Star’s new 4700 vocational truck at its Get Tough 2012 event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, I jumped on it. The company touts its vehicles as Serious Trucks, and they all are, including the 4700—Western Star’s first new offering in a decade. A lot of attention to detail went into the development of this “Baby 8” model, which I found to be ideal for towing and recovery work. Like all of Western Star’s Serious Trucks, the 4700 is solidly built with rugged good looks. Available in both set forward and set back front-axle configurations, the 4700 has a 110” BBC (front bumper to back of cab) dimension—the shortest BBC in its class—and comes in wheelbases of up to 300”. The set back front

14 • July 2012 - TOWMAN.COM

axle offers excellent maneuverability and optimum front-axle loading, as more of the vehicle’s weight is transferred to the front to take full advantage of the truck’s rated capacity.

Cab Interior Entrance and egress with this workhorse’s cab is easy and safe with the ergonomically positioned traction-grip steps and grab handles and, I was informed, the largest door openings in the industry. The galvannealed steel cab is specially designed to withstand the rigors of vocational applications. Interior space within the 72” wide cab is plentiful. There is ample leg, belly, knee and elbow room, even for “big boys” like me. Plus there are abundant useful storage spaces, including generous door pockets. The interior has updated materials that are easier to clean. The lighter head-

by David Kolman

liner colors make the cab a little brighter. A wraparound dash provides excellent ergonomics. All controls and switches have a logical layout and are close at hand, well marked and comfortably visible. Western Star uses customizable large marine-grade rocker switches on its 4700. I found them easy to operate, even with gloves on. Another nice touch is the use of convex gauges that prevent glare and improve their readability. That makes for added safety and less driver fatigue. Settling in behind the wheel, I had excellent visibility afforded by a large windshield, a dramatically sloped hood—which Western Star calls the super-visibility hood—and generously sized windows. All of this combined to give me increased confidence when maneuvering in tight situations. Another of the many things I liked

about the driver setup is the use of suspended brake and clutch pedals. This arrangement prevents objects from becoming lodged behind pedals.

Hitting the Road The 4700 is comfortable, handled well and was easy to drive with the ergonomic two-spoke-design steering wheel. For a work truck, it had a nice ride. I learned that Western Star places the outboard cab mounts as wide as possible to maximize lateral stability. This, in turn, provides a more comfortable ride on rough terrain and reduces body roll in turns. With the truck’s 110” BBC plus its 55-degree wheel cut, maneuverability was superb. I was able to get into, and out of, some pretty tight spots with relative ease. I took advantage of the Get Tough event to drive a variety of 4700 models, both on and off road. I experienced both Cummins and Detroit Diesel engines, up to 450 horsepower, and Eaton Fuller manual transmissions, Eaton Fuller UltraShift automated transmissions and Allison Automatics. All of the powertrains were responsive, with enough pep for all traffic and road conditions. There was plenty of power for pulling heavy loads and long grades.

H ow d How do oy you ou add add m more ore tows tows iin nad day? ay ? TomTom delivers easy to use technology you need to keep your operators working hard for your bottom line. More than just another GPS system, TomTom WORK smar t™ fleet management solutions

Easier Shifting I must say that while I enjoy shifting (the more gears the better), automated and automatic transmissions sure make driving easier as they require a lot less effort than a manual. The UltraShift transmission has no clutch pedal or shifting because it is fully automated. The transmission’s electronics make each shift at the proper engine speed for faster, smoother, easier shifting that you can feel. There are button controls on the dashboard that allow the driver to hold a gear or manually select the appropriate gear for road conditions. The Gear Display shows what gear the transmission is in. Being a long-time “gear jammer,” letting a computer control the shifts took some getting used to. I can’t tell you how many times I instinctively went to grab the non-existent shifter and push in the absent clutch. Once I got used to the UltraShift, though, I found it made driving simpler and less stressful. And since I didn’t have to worry about when to shift I could better concentrate on driving. Automatic transmissions are a benefit as well. They can boost productivity because they provide quicker acceleration and no power interruption, allowing a driver to cover more ground in a day with less effort.

Discover how T To omTom can help you: ō 6SHHG XS UHVSRQVH WLPHV ō 'HFUHDVH RSHUDWRU GRZQWLPH ō 6DYH WLPH ZLWK DXWRPDWHG GLVSDWFKLQJ ō *HW WR MREV IDVWHU C o n t a c t u s t o d ay : sales-us.business@tomtom.com sales- us . business@tomtom .com 866-459-3499 8 66 - 459 -3 499

Serviceability Many ease-of-service features have been designed into the 4700 to help technicians more quickly complete maintenance, service and repairs. Among them: a 90-degree forward hood tilt that opens fairly easily because it’s equipped with special springs to reduce effort; laser etching and color coding to

L Let’s et ’s drive drive business business™ www.tomtom.com/business w w w.tomtom .com/business Number 180 on Reader Card

TOWMAN.COM - July 2012 • 15

ensure the ability to troubleshoot wiring issues for the life of the truck; and a hinged dash that provides quick access to wiring for service. The power distribution module and fuses are easily accessed behind a panel on the passenger-side dash. This allows you to sit comfortably in the cab while working on fuses rather than accessing them in a cumbersome location. Air and electrical lines are bundled and supported off the frame to reduce the chance that the lines will rub against the rail creating issues that can result in downtime. With this arrangement, road debris can pass behind the bundle, rather than build up on it, eliminating the possibility of abrasion which can lead to electrical and air failures. From my time with the Western Star 4700, I found the cab to be comfortable, surprisingly quiet for a work truck, driver friendly and thoughtfully designed. The truck could easily shoulder any towing and recovery task while providing good drivability, high performance and an inviting workplace environment that eases driver fatigue.

The set back front axle offers excellent maneuverability and optimum front-axle loading as more of the vehicle's weight is transferred forward.

Number 157 on Reader Card

16 • July 2012 - TOWMAN.COM

Number 144 on Reader Card

Number 110 on Reader Card

TOWMAN.COM - July 2012 • 17

Price vs. Service

n 2003, I started a towing company with one truck and no accounts; eight years later I sold the company with 14 trucks, 1,250 accounts and was the largest private-property tower in the southwest. One month later, I started another tow company with no trucks and no accounts and one year later we had five trucks and more than 600 accounts. More importantly, we were in the black within three months. We learned from our success the first time, which made our second go at it a lot easier. In 2005, we started Southwest Tow Operators, (arguably the largest towing association in the U.S.) and after two years we have an operating budget of $375,000 a year. In April, I started another towingrelated business that should be turning a profit by press time. I don’t do anything magical, I just use good business sense and I price the products and services appropriately. All the above companies were driven by the price of the product. The hardest decision you make is what to charge for a tow to be competitive while making a profit. If you get into a bidding war with your competitor over the lowest tow fee to get the account, you 18 • July 2012 - TOWMAN.COM

are not going to make a profit. Price is key, but you don’t have to be the lowest bidder to get the business. There are many other things you can address that will allow you to grow. It’s all about service and service wins out at the end. I was with a group of towers recently and one tower pointed out another company that is making it hard to get business because it lowballs its bids. My answer was simple: Let him have that business, you can’t afford to do a tow at a lowball price. You don’t want to tow at a loss. You have to know that cutting expenses can also increase your profit. Its not the number of tows you get, it is the number of tows you get that make a profit. I knew a tower that changed his whole line of business after a talk with his accountant. He looked at which tows were making money and which tows were losing money. He sold the trucks that were losing money, which means he cut expenses by reducing truck payments, insurance and gas. He is now making money and having fun. I’ve discovered over the years that towers are their own worst enemy. One tow company comes in at one price for the tow and their competition comes in lower. After they go back and forth a

by Dan Messina

few times, they get the price so low they can’t make a profit and one of them will give up. What I’ve learned is that price does not matter. Towing is a service business and the best provider wins the business. My wife and I worked hard for the first five years establishing our business. We did a lot of things to grow that didn’t involve pricing at all. We let our customers know about us (our honesty, morals and ethics). We let our customers know every day how we operate our business. We developed a staff and sold them on our way of doing business. We let our customers know that we hired the best people, trained them, drug tested them and ran criminal background checks. (The key is to not give them the results if they don’t ask) We joined the right organizations. My customers or potential customers saw me at various social meetings and in some cases I would sponsor lunch for the meeting. Customers or potential customers saw me everywhere they went because I joined the right organizations. It was important to join industry organizations or associations to stay on top of any changes or to see what my competition was doing.

I subscribed to industry magazines and followed industry trends. This informed me on what all the industry experts were doing. Once I knew whom to follow, I learned from them. Surround yourself with people smarter than you and learn from them. I purchased state-of-the-art equipment (new trucks, GPS, cameras and some bling), because I believed in looking good. I had a competitor once tell me that he bought different colored trucks so his customers knew he had more than one truck. In my marketing brochures, I used technology to show as many trucks as I wanted (when I started I showed five trucks when I only had three). I talk about personal awards (founder of the largest towing association in the U.S., American Towman of the Year 2009, largest private-property towing company in the southwest). A week didn’t go by that I did not let my customers know about my successes. You might get the impression that I am bragging, but I just looked at it as good marketing.

I used to read about a fellow tower all the time in a magazine. I asked him how he was so successful, and his answer surprised me. He said not all that was written was totally true; it’s all in how you spin it. He spun stories to stand out in the industry. He has a successful tow company because he knows how to market himself. He never once complained to me about price wars. I love the towing industry and it can be fun and very rewarding if you run the business right. We are a service business; I assure you that if you provide the best service in towing you’ll have the best customers regardless of price. Dan Messina built a successful business specializing in private lot tows, and recently helped a new Texas towing company launch successfully. Dan is the founder and past president of the Southwest Tow Operators. He currently publishes an Internet newsletter, Reinvent Your Business, and operates a promotional service company, Our Way Media. Check out his web site: DanMessina.com. Number 216 on Reader Card

Number 140 on Reader Card

TOWMAN.COM - July 2012 • 19

Number 185 on Reader Card

Reality TV? Not Exactly An Editorial

Lizard Lick Towing & Recovery owner Ron Shirley is a breakout star of "reality" television on the cable network truTV.

by Mark Lacek Photos by John Nowak; courtesy of truTV

ur jobs are more dangerous because of reality TV shows such as “Lizard Lick Towing” and “Operation Repo.” After 30 years repossessing collateral, I am more concerned now than ever when I knock on the door. Does the person answering the door watch these shows? Does he think I’m armed? Are they going to shoot out of fear for their own lives because of the false information given them on Tru-TV? On both of these shows, the main characters drive around their respective cities violating the rights of property owners with such a degree of abuse it is actually difficult to imagine this activity being true. Through consumer protection laws, third-party disclosure rules and the Fair Debt and Collection Practices Act in place, federal and state laws agree that creditors may re-take possession of a motor vehicle—as long as there is no breach of the peace. According to the Federal Trade Commission, “Your creditor can seize your vehicle as soon as you default on

22 • July 2012 - TOWMAN.COM

“The repossessionrelated TV shows today have done more damage to the professionalism of this trade than any other event in the history of the recovery industry.” your loan or lease.” The contract should state what constitutes a default, but failure to make a payment on time is a typical example. Once in default, the laws of most

states permit the creditor to repossess a car at any time, without notice, and to come onto the owner’s property to do so. But in seizing the vehicle, the creditor may not commit a “breach of the peace.” In some states, that means using physical force, threats of force or even removing the car from a closed garage without permission. Should there be a breach of the peace in seizing a car, the creditor may be required to pay a penalty or to compensate the owner if any harm is done to his property. A breach of peace also may give the owner a legal defense if the creditor sues for a deficiency judgment. It’s difficult to imagine that the actions of these reality TV repossessors are within the boundaries of federal consumer protection laws. “The repossession-related TV shows today have done more damage to the professionalism of this trade than any other event in the history of the recovery industry,” said Ed Marcum, CEO of Recovery Specialist Insurance Group.

“I believe that these repossession reality shows have had a direct effect on the increased violence this industry has seen over the last several years,” said Jennifer McDaniel, president of National Finance Adjusters. “These shows do not portray any amount of reality of our industry, because it would more than likely be a boring show. The shows broadcast a very inaccurate picture of the professional repossession industry, portraying repossessors as criminals who regularly break the law during the repossession process. “The professional recovery agents are well versed in the laws surrounding their industry and take great care to make sure they leave without incident and confrontation,” she said. “These shows create a lasting negative image with the consumer that is facing a possible repossession.” At the different repossession industry expos and conferences, I have met hundreds of professionals from coast to coast. Through passing conversations, the subject of these reality shows always surfaces, and now more than ever. I decided to take an informal poll from repossessors about both “Operation Repo” and “Lizard Lick.” I asked for feedback on Repoman.com, a popular repossession forum, to get a snapshot of what the hard-working agents thought. Many of the postings can’t be reprinted here, but most repossessors are angry about the effects these shows are having. A sample of the responses: • “Lizard Lick (Reality Show) is the worst thing that has happened to the recovery industry that I have experienced in 15 years, from a public relations and public perception viewpoint.” - Jim, Recovery First. • “I worry about how the public thinks they will be handled when they encounter us for real. I have a sign at my lot that says, ‘We do not operate like the TV shows, if you go crazy we just call the cops.’ ” - Vince, Houston Metropolitan Recovery. • “I would have never pursued this as a career if what they did was the norm. … Rarely do they ever portray what actually happens.” - Bryan, Faith Financial. • “Makes the industry look bad and North Carolinians look even worse.” - Dave, Branch and Associates. There are national industry repossession associations and repossession insurance groups that have worked with great effort on the public perception of the repossession agent for years. The mainstream media likes to portray repossessors as thieves in the night, but over the last 15 years the continuing efforts to change that began to pay off. These shows undermine that work. “Reality TV shows like ‘Operation Repo’ and ‘Lizard Lick’ … celebrate dysfunctional and distasteful behavior and the choreographed and scripted scenes give the false illusion that what viewers are watching is actually real and legal,” said Mary Jane Hogan, president of the American Recovery Association. “We’ve seen a dramatic increase in violence, some violent acts resulting in the deaths of individuals, since these shows began airing.” “It is a matter of time before a professional repossessor is going to be hurt or killed by a debtor who is getting a vehicle repossessed,” said Mark Summs, past president of National

Finance Adjusters. “When the debtor is interviewed, his excuse for his actions will be based on what his perception of a repossession is from one of these ‘reality shows.’ I hope these shows are off the air before this happens.” To legitimize the job description of a recovery agent, groups like Recovery Specialist Insurance Group and Repo Certification have conducted seminars and offered certification and continuing education for the industry. The American Recovery Association, National Finance Adjusters and Time Finance Adjusters hold yearly conventions for their members and keep them up-to-date on current laws and safety issues. Those efforts are impaired by every 1/2-hour block of “repo reality” TV. “Anyone who has seen these types of programs thinks that we are there to fight them for their vehicles, or they think that they can be violent with our people and there are no consequences for their actions,” said Jeff Ramirez, president of California Association of Licensed Repossessors. “These shows should have a huge disclaimer at the beginning of each episode stating, ‘This is a fictional program completely scripted for the entertainment of its viewing audience.’ ” Next month, I’ll cover what repossession professionals can do to fight back and make our jobs more safe. Editor’s note: This article reflects the viewpoints of the author and those he has quoted, and not necessarily the viewpoints of American Towman. Author Mark Lacek is a 30-year recovery industry veteran and former editor of Professional Repossessor magazine.

n h r d g Z a M Å ' Ä a \ n f r k ^ o :PV EPO U IFBS JU FOPVHI

8F EP GSPN NPUPSJTUT XIP QSBJTF ZPVS EJMJHFODF BOE EFEJDBUJPO 5IFZ UIBOL ZPV GPS DPNJOH UISPVHI SBJO BOE DPME BOE EBSL PG OJHIU UP HFU UIFN TBGFMZ PO UIFJS XBZ 8F UIBOL BMM PVS 4FSWJDF 1SPWJEFST GPS IFMQJOH VT CFDPNF UIF OBUJPO T GBTUFTU HSPXJOH UPXJOH OFUXPSL 8F MPPL GPSXBSE UP NBOZ NPSF ZFBST PG XPSLJOH UPHFUIFS 5IBOL ZPV GPS IFMQJOH PVS DVTUPNFST :PV NBLF VT QSPVE

XXX 5PX/FUXPSL DPN 'BTU 'BJS 1BZNFOU GPS 3PBETJEF 4FDPOEBSZ BOE "DDJEFOU 4DFOF 5PXJOH Number 199 on Reader Card

TOWMAN.COM - July 2012 • 23

CALIFORNIA FONTANA Rush Truck Center 888.362.1133 www.rushtruckcenters.com/FontanaMD roblesr@rushenterprises.com

MIAMI Truckmax 305.777.9000 www.truckmax.com jonathan@truckmax.com • Dynamic

SHREWSBURY Schwartz Truck Center 877.540.6031 www.schwartztruckcenter.com cid@schwartztruckcenter.com • Jerr-Dan, Dual-Tech, Danco

SAN JOSE Monarch Truck Center 408.275.0500 www.monarchtruck.com sales@monarchtruck.com

NEW JERSEY ATLANTIC CITY Quality Truck Center 609.965.9200 www.qualitytruckcenter.com corinned@qualitytruckcenter.com • Jerr-Dan

TEXAS SAN ANTONIO Rush Towing Systems 877.5RUSHTOW www.rushtowingsystems.com wilkinsong@rush-enterprises.com • Jerr-Dan

LYNDHURST Frank’s Truck Center 201.939.7708 www.frankstruckcenter.com ckoumoulis@frankstruckcenter.com

VIRGINIA ROANOKE Truck Enterprises Roanoke 800.296.7447 www.truckenterprises.com fmalpass@truckenterprises.com

UNION CITY/HAYWARD Monarch Truck Center 510.476.0680 www.monarchtruck.com sales@monarchtruck.com FLORIDA JACKSONVILLE Rush Truck Center 813.361.1199 www.rushtruckcenters.com shafferd@rushenterprises.com • Jerr-Dan

TRENTON Bergey’s Truck Center 215.519.9555 www.bergeystruckcenter.com srybacki@bergeys.com

WOODBRIDGE Matheny Motors 866.499.9216 703.477.3235 www.mathenymotors.com jbarbour@mathenymotors.com • Vulcan, Century, Chevron, Holmes Challenger, Champion, Titan WEST VIRGINIA MINERAL WELLS Matheny Motors 800.284.4418 ext.563 304.488.4501 www.mathenymotors.com mrauh@mathenymotors.com • Vulcan, Century, Chevron, Holmes Challenger, Champion, Titan WISCONSIN WATERFORD Lynch Truck Center 262.514.4000 www.lynchtruckcenter.com • Century, Vulcan, Champion, Chevron, Challenger, Holmes, Miller Industries

American Towman Exposition XXIV November 15 – 18, 2012

Premieres:

World Tow Conference Ballad of the American Towman Pageant Champion Class

New Exhibit Hours: Friday Preview, 2–5 p.m., Saturday Grand Opening, 11–6 p.m., Sunday 10–4 p.m.

Inner Harbor

200 Suppliers Exhibiting Products & Services You Need WRECKERS CARRIERS CHASSIS LOW BOYS TRAILERS SLIDING AXLES SERVICE TRUCKS BATTERY & JUMP START EQUIPMENT ADDON WHEEL LIFTS LOCKOUT TOOLS MOTOR CLUBS CALL PROVIDERS AUTO & TRUCK REPAIR TOOLS TRUCK LIFTS & HOISTS TRANSMISSIONS TRUCK ENGINES MOTORCYCLE TOWING SYSTEMS GRAPHICS LIEN SERVICES TOW ACCESSORIES SCOTCH/SNATCH BLOCKS SKATES DISPATCH SOFTWARE SMART PHONE INTEGRATION CORDED & WIRELESS TOW LIGHTS CAR PARTS SOURCING TOWING INSURANCE HAZMAT CLEANUP SUPPLIES SAFETY GEAR SAFETY LIGHTS VEHICLE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS ONSITE & ONLINE AUCTION SERVICES TOW TRUCKS LOT BILLING & COLLECTION SURVEILLANCE CLUTCH PUMP KITS EMERGENCY LIGHTS PLANETARY & WORM POLISHES & WAXES GEAR WINCHES UNITIRE & WHEEL TOOL FORMS FOOTWEAR SYSTEMS TOWING & CUSTOM EMBROIRECOVERY TRAINING DERED JACKETS TOW EMERGENCY RETHEMED T-SHIRTS SPONSE TRAINING TOY & COLLECTIBLE HYDRAULIC GENERATORS SCENE LIGHTING SYSTEMS TOW DOLLIES SIDE PULLERS GPS SYSTEMS VEHICLE FINANCING UNCLAIMED VEHICLE SOLUTIONS KEYLESS VEHICLE ENTRY PRODUCTS REMOTE CONTROL TOWING SYSTEMS RECOVERY AIR CUSHIONS POWER TAKEOFFS PLASTIC FENDERS ALTERNATIVE FUELS FUEL TANKS AXLE CAPS & COVERS NIGHT-TIME DISPATCH SERVICES HYDRAULIC PUMPS CHROME ACCESSORIES TOOL BOXES MARKETING SERVICES PILLOW PROTECTION DAMAGED VEHICLE EASEMENT PRODUCTS REAR VIEW CAMERA SYSTEMS CRASH WRAP OVERLOAD SUSPENSION SPRINGS MASSAGE SEATING GROUP PURCHASING SERVICES WIRE ROPES HOOKS & CHAINS

* Advance-Register on-line @ ATExposition.com

November 15 – 18, 2012

Lenny's Towing of Delran, NJ, a winner in last year's Pageant, featured powerful Superman imagery.

World-Class Wreckers Compete for Silver Trophies

“Most Magnificent” The wrecker pageant is impressive. It has a lot of participation. Robert Craddock, General Manager, College Oak Towing, Sacramento, Calif.

The 2012 American Wrecker Pageant premieres the Champion Class! All first place winners of the 2011 Pageant may enter the Champion Class. While they may not enter the class they placed first in last year; they may enter the Champion Class with the same vehicle or any vehicle from the same class they won in last year. The Champion Class achieves two goals: it opens up competition so that all classes will have new winners each year, and at the same time, creates an elite class for the winners to compete in. The American Wrecker Pageant, sponsored by Dual-Tech, is a world-class display of the industry’s finest tow trucks. From custom levers to chrome accessories, magnificent graphics and plenty of attitude, the Pageant is a true piece of Americana. Winners are chosen by a dual voting process that involves judges and attendees and an electronic ballot box that allows only one vote per company. Whether you compete in the Pageant or take it all in and vote on your choice picks, the spectacle of the world’s finest wreckers is not to be missed!

* Advance-Register on-line @ ATExposition.com

First, let me say that Laura and I look at every wrecker in the wrecker pageant. We then vote for our favorite in each category. Hats off to all the contestants and class winners. Tom Bertagnolli, President, Double T Towing, Griffith, Ind.

The wrecker pageant in Baltimore is simply the most magnificent truck show of any kind on earth, period! Bill Johnson, Hampshire Towing, South Hadley, Mass.

Dual-Tech sponsors the American Wrecker Pageant

November 15 – 18, 2012

Miller Rocks (Bull and Pig Roast) takes place both indoors and on the promendate by the water at the Hard Rock Cafe. Sponsored by Miller Industries

Towers Network and Break Bread Around the Harbor Towing professionals come to Baltimore from all 50 states in the U.S. and 20 nations around the world, which makes AT Expo the unique experience it is. The many events of the Exposition sprinkled in and about Baltimore’s magnificent harbor offer opportunities to clink glasses, break bread, share stories, and just hang out with men and women who own and operate a towing business just like you do. It’s a chance to make new friends, meet up with old friends, and celebrate being part of the world’s greatest service industry.

AT Expo’s Networking Venues: AT’s Welcome Cruise Supper Thursday evening cruising the Inner Harbor. Captains of Industry Conference Jacket and tie, towing’s movers and shakers break bread at the legendary long table in the Marriott Waterfront’s Waterview Room. AT Academy 30 seminars across three days, Passport holders also gain entry to the breakfast hall each morning and the American Towman Clubhouse lounge on the Exhibit floor. DC Recovery Luncheon Celebrating towing’s legendary trainer, Donnie Cruse, this unique

conference Friday at noon dissects the winning recoveries of the Donnie Cruse Memorial Awards. Bull & Pig Roast (Miller Rocks!) Towers take over the Hard Rock Cafe on the Harbor Friday evening, sponsored by Miller Industries. Calitri’s Cuba The industry’s big cigar event is back at Lucky’s Tavern in the Power Plant. A lot of bull and hot air at this event, sponsored by Lift and Tow. Order of Towman Police towers gather for the Order’s Rite of Passage, on the eve of Festival Night. Miller Rocks is free to all towing professionals who advance register.

“Colossal Bonding” There was a lot of camaraderie at Miller Rocks at the Hard Rock Cafe. It was a colossal amount of bonding. We talked to different people from different states. Kevin Langel, Owner, Lancam Towing And Transportation, Pine Bluff, Ark.

Miller Rocks at the Hard Rock Cafe is very generous. It’s very nice that they do that every year. And it was a fun time.

Festival Night The night features the 24th Annual American Towman Medal Ceremony and the premiere performance of the Ballad of the American Towman. Towman ACES Nominated by Motor Clubs for performance-excellence, towers from all over the U.S. gather on Sunday afternoon to be honored with the legendary ACE belt buckle.

John Adams, President, Fritz’s Towing Service, Doylestown, Pa.

I always find the Miller Rocks at the Hard Rock cafe enjoyable and a lot of fun too. William Harrington, Owner, Harrington Service, Lockport, N.Y.

* Advance-Register on-line @ ATExposition.com

November 15 – 18, 2012

Cigar afficionados will light up for Calitri's Cuba in the Power Plant at Lucky's Tavern, Friday night. Sponsored by Lift & Tow

International Feast of Towmen While recovery videos from around the world play on the big screen, U.S. towing professionals host the International guests attending AT Expo and the World Towing Conference on Sunday at 4 p.m. Free to advance-registrants. See registration page.

Special Events Sponsors CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY

American Wrecker Pageant Share wrecker tales with owners of the world’s finest wreckers while marveling at the tow trucks competing for the legendary Silver Trophies. Sponsored by Dual-Tech. Exhibit Hall Network with 200 industry suppliers and the product and service experts at each booth, all potential allies to your business. Jerr-Dan Diner This 50’s retro diner in the Exhibit Hall is the place towers take a break while cool cats croon Blue Moon and On The Boardwalk. Sponsored by Jerr-Dan.

BULL & PIG ROAST “Miller Rocks!”

AT ACADEMY

SHOW BAGS

INFORMATION BOOTH

REGISTRATION COUNTER

CALITRI’S CUBA

AT EXPO FOOD COURT “Jerr-Dan Diner”

AMERICAN WRECKER PAGEANT

ACE AWARDS

Hobnobbing the Inner Harbor With thousands of towing professionals in town, you can’t help but share moments at the Inner Harbor with your industry peers. SM

EXPO INFO CARD

THE ORDER OF TOWMAN

FESTIVAL NIGHT

“Wouldn’t Miss It” Where else can you light up a fine cigar and talk shop with towers from all over the world?

DONNIE AWARDS

John Borowski, Amber Clean Scene, South Hadley, Mass.

Calitri’s Cuba, I’ve only missed one. A wedding conflict. My brother and I look forward all year long to lighting one up with Calitri. Jim Bach, Bach’s Towing, Aurora, N.Y.

I wouldn’t miss it. Ron Mislan, Owner, Bardy Farms Towing, Watchung, N.J.

LEGENDARY HOSPITALITY

LANYARDS

Nightlife activities abound in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, but nothing quite matches the spectacle of Festival Night at the Marriott Waterfront.

Ballad of the American Towman Premiere Performance The spectacle and tradition of Festival Night is thrilling. The March of the Heroes and the American Towman Medal Ceremony honors towing professionals who have put their lives at risk to save the lives of others. Every towing professional owes it to himself to experience Festival Night at the American Towman Exposition. Festival Night is always full of surprises. 1998 saw the unveiling of the Towman Monument and this year’s attendees will witness the premiere performance of the Ballad of the American Towman, live, featuring singer and songwriter Paul “Pop” Siegel. The Ballad was composed by Siegel and AT’s

Paul “Pop” Siegel will sing the Towman Ballad.

“Phenomenal” I don’t think there is a dry eye in that Festival Night room. Towers truly do need to be honored for what they do. I’d recommend anybody to go to that. Pretty unique experience.

Festival Night’s Traditional arm wrestling championship bout. Below, Emily Oz and ATTV cover the action.

Steve Calitri, who says he woke up in the middle of the night with this ballad in his head. “The Ballad captures the essence of who the towing professional is,” said Calitri. “I believe our industry will embrace it.” The CD release will be given to Festival Night attendees and launched on the Internet through YouTube, Facebook, and AmericanTowmanTV.com. Don’t miss all the excitement. Enjoy live music, dancing, a gourmet dinner prepared by the chef of the Marriott Waterfront, and the company of towing professionals from the U.S. and around the world.

The Festival Night was the first I ever attended and definitely won't be my last. The whole evening is great with recognizing the Heroes of the Towing Industry while experiencing the great respect and dedication that all the tower's have for this industry. Dennis Boyce, Owner, Boyces Towing, Monroe Township, N.J.

Andrew Pittman, Owner, Agri-Fix Towing, Ellensburg, Wash.

I am very impressed with the program at Festival Night. The food, awards, and entertainment are all phenomenal! Dicky Branum, Sec./Treas., Branum Wrecker Service, Trinity, Ala.

* Advance-Register on-line @ ATExposition.com

November 15 – 18, 2012

Number 143 on Reader Card

American Towman Headquarters Hotel Marriott Waterfront National Aquarium

Safeway Towing New Rochelle, NY

World-Class Towmen Unite to Share Towing Practices Since the birth of the American Towman Exposition, tow business owners started to realize there was a lot to gain by networking with their peers, whether in state or out of state. Getting the lowdown on how a towing business operates in another country – the laws, the equipment, the operators – is often a revelation. How one towing professional in France recruits quality drivers, how another in Germany works with the police department, or how a tower in Asia deals with abandoned cars can offer new ideas on what we can do here, and vice versa. That’s why AT Expo is hosting the first-ever World Towing Conference. Each year towing professionals from approximately 20 nations attend AT Expo. Through the World Towing Conference we are working to increase the number of International attendees and the nations represented. The goal is to bring the world of towing together. The World Towing Conference culminates on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. with the International Feast & Recovery Theater, free to all towing professionals who advance-register. Feast on suckling pig, smoked beef brisket, German sausages, Mexican burritos, chicken terriaki, Italian cured meats and other dishes in the World Towing Pavilion inside the Baltimore Convention Center, surrounded by videos of international recoveries playing on big screens. American towers will act as U.S. Ambassadors hosting our guests of honor, those towing professionals who have come to Baltimore from all corners of the globe.

Be part of the World Towing Conference. Plan to make your stay in Baltimore stretch to Sunday evening. Note: advance-registrants will receive the World-Class Towman Coin when entering the World Towing Pavilion for the International Feast & Recovery Theater (see registration page). Advance-registrants will also be given the opportunity to have a picture of themselves and their wreckers, perhaps performing recoveries, showing up on one of the big screens at the feast. American Towman TV’s Emily Oz will be hosting the International Feast and ATTV will be covering the moment along with the towing trade media from other nations. Come and break bread with world-class towmen from over 20 nations across five continents, including all 50 American states. Proudly represent your company, your state and country. Learn and share and make friends around the world. Artistic rendition of commemorative coin. Minted coin will have more detail and dimension and be the size of a U.S. silver dollar. Tow companies that advance-register for the International Feast will receive the coin at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Note: A formal venue of the World Tow Conference will take place Sunday morning, featuring international speakers sharing perspectives on key issues they face in their respective countries.

* Advance-Register on-line @ ATExposition.com

November 15 – 18, 2012

Baltimore Convention Center two blocks from the Inner Habor

Explore New Revenue Sources • Control Operational Costs Friday, November 16, 2012 8:30 AM Get Your Name to Pop Up 8:30 AM Reasons Why Calls Cancel 8:30 AM REPO 101 9:30 AM Weaving a Finer Web 9:30 AM High Tech Tools to Hire the Best 9:30 AM A Recovery Specialist’s Checklist 10:30 AM Recovery and Video 10:30 AM How to Use Your Rating 10:30 AM Equipment Transport 5:10 PM Mobile Battery Revenue 6:10 PM Using GPS Intelligence 5:10-7 PM Recovery Theater

“Sharing Experiences” The courses are good and so are all the seminars. There is enough information to bring home and ideas to keep me rolling. Different ideas that I’ve implemented to make more money. For example, the seminar, ‘Turning Clean Up Into a Revenue,’ helped me to generate more revenue. Derek C. Didone, General Manager, County Towing, Harrow, ON, Canada

I like the education courses and meeting up with old friends and sharing experiences. That’s what it’s all about. Belinda Harris, Ray Harris Towing & Hauling, Greensboro, N.C.

It’s an education in the towing industry that you can’t get anywhere else. I love the location which brings a lot of history. Great people and a great time. Ron Guerra, Owner, Charity Towing And Recovery, Mesa, Az.

Saturday, November 17, 2012 8:00 AM Alternative Fuels 8:00 AM The Pulley System 8:00 AM Price vs. Service 9:00 AM Getting Recovery Bills Paid 9:00 AM Smartphone, Smart Business 9:00 AM Turn Impound Lot Into Gold 9:00 AM Winch Forum 10:00 AM Electric Vehicle Revenue 10:00 AM Real-Time Data and Towing 10:00 AM Odd and Unusual Recoveries 10:00 AM Turn Clean-up Into Revenue

Great Value! Academy Passport holders may attend any and all seminars in the three day program. The Passport also allows entrance into the Academy Dining Hall for complimentary breakfasts each morning. Plus! The Passport is the key to the American Towman Clubhouse, which includes the VIP lounge on the Exhibit floor, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Passport holders also receive a Baltimore VIP coupon package, with discounts to Inner Harbor attractions and restaurants. All for just $75!

Sunday, November 18, 2012 9:00 AM Don't Crush Your Cash 9:00 AM Profit Through Automation 9:00 AM Scooby Doo's and Don'ts 9:00 AM Financing Through Tight Credit 10:00 AM Close Every Sale 10:00 AM Real World vs Dream Work 10:00 AM For The Pros

“Sharing experiences, that’s what it’s all about...”

* Advance-Register on-line @ ATExposition.com

The $75 Academy Passport is good for all seminars, all breakfasts, and the American Towman Clubhouse VIP lounge!

Academy Passport gains entrance to all Track 1: Empire Builders: Opportunities

Track 2: Increase Your Core Business

Sponsored by Miller Industries

Maximize your web site’s potential reach. Today there are many considerations: smart phones, iPads, video, email capture and more. This seminar will lead the way to more call volume. Mike Rappaport, ATM and OMG National, Friday 9:30 a.m.

A Recovery Specialist’s Checklist

High Tech Tools to Hire the Best

Recovery Theater

Proven technology that will greatly improve one of the biggest challenges you have: how to determine the best from the rest. It will answer the questions of why some drivers are so much better than others, why some companies get the best and you get the rest. Jim Weaver, Tracker Management, Friday 9:30 a.m.

This legendary trainer critiques challenging recoveries on the big screen, some successful and some that go awry. Tom Luciano, Miller Industries with Nick Ovenden, Friday 5:10-7 p.m.

Recovery and Video Improve recovery through today's video technology; i.e. Skype, smart phones. Learn how to conveniently document your recovery for collection and training purposes. Emily Oz, American Towman TV, Friday 10:30 a.m.

Using GPS Intelligence Tow bosses need greater visibility and control to increase efficiency and profitability. Explore smart strategies for getting a handle on: fuel costs; accurate billing relationships with motor clubs, providing more accurate ETAs, increasing driver efficiency, recruiting and retaining the best drivers. Michael Geffroy, TomTom, Friday 6:10 p.m.

Avoid that old adage: "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." A step-by-step WreckMaster procedural attack to lead an operator to success in recovery. David Bouvia, WreckMaster, Friday 9:30 a.m.

The Pulley System Pulley systems (snatch blocks and rigging) are based on one of the six simple machines that man uses to make work easier. What’s the difference between a simple and a complex pulley system? Are you able to calculate line loads? Are you able to calculate block loads? Are you able to calculate mechanical advantage? Understanding the simple pulley system will answer questions in the field when applying snatch blocks and rigging during recovery operations. Terry Abejuela, American Towman Field Editor, Saturday 8 a.m.

Scooby Doo's and Scooby Don'ts Learn about the myths and fallacies of everything air bag/cushions (including underwater). Jeff Martin, Howard Eagan, John Sweezy Jr., Matjack, Sunday 9 a.m.

Alternative Fuels

Odd & Unusual Recoveries from the WreckMaster Archives

Ever-increasing fuel costs are prompting many tow operators to transition their fleet to Natural Gas Vehicles, which deliver superior performance, quieter operation and 30 to 50 percent lower fuel costs. Plus, other alternative fuels, available trucks, and steps to successful transition. Stephen Yborra, NGV America, Saturday 8 a.m.

WreckMaster lead instructor Bruce Campbell reviews the techniques and calculations related to recoveries in unique environments. Saturday 10 a.m.

Smartphone, Smart Business We will cover the newest smartphone and tablet applications. We will also look at other mobile devices that work with smartphones, such as Bluetooth printers and credit card swipes. Todd Althouse, Beacon Software Co., Saturday 9 a.m.

Real-Time Data and the Towing Industry Learn how technology is changing how towing companies gather information, share data and what accessing real-time data means; including immediate access to DMV records, motor club updates for dispatch and customer, business liability, proof of compliance and increased efficiency. Jim Taylor, Auto Data Direct, Saturday 10 a.m.

Profitability Through Automation Become more efficient, track expenses, fleet maintenance, monitor productivity, eliminate areas of waste and various other management tools. Shon Allen, SSCS-Digital Dispatch, Sunday 9 a.m.

Winch Forum Warn Industries, Ramsey Winch, Tulsa/DP Winch, and Superwinch give individual product information and insight into the world of winches. Each company will have a 15-minute discussion on the topic of winches with a question and answer peroid at the end. Saturday 9 a.m.

Real World versus Dream Work Two safety instructors debate Real World versus Dream World safety techniques. In the field, protecting yourself and the vehicle may come down to bending or even breaking the rules. Seminar attendees will help settle their arguments over tower safety, working outside the rules, and dispelling or confirming common myths in towing and recovery. David Lambert, Garrett Paquette North American Towing Academy, Sunday 10 a.m.

For the Pros Legendary WreckMaster trainer, Terry Humelsine addresses some of recovery's most challenging procedures. Sunday 10 a.m.

* Advance-Register on-line @ ATExposition.com

“World-Class Towman" Commemorative Coin The World Class Towing & Recovery Coin is two-sided. One side uniquely portrays a towman bearing the world on his shoulders while in the act of a recovery. The other side depicts the act of hooking up an overturned vehicle on a slope. "World-Class Towman" will be diecast on the rim of the Coin. Those who advance-register to attend the International Feast will recieve a complimentary World Class Towman Coin when entering the World Towing Pavilion in the Baltimore Convention Center, Sunday at 4 p.m. ( one coin per company).

Official AT Expo Beer Stein Custom manufactured in Germany, and featuring original art from American Towman artist, Don Lomax, the Official Beer Stein of the 2012 AT Expo is a keepsake for you and your home. The artwork is baked into the porcelain ware so that you can drink from it and wash it time and again. This unique stein is available for free only to advanceregistrants of AT Expo who subscribe to American Towman Magazine ($45) through the enclosed registration form or online. A current subscriber can extend his or her subscription by one year (12 issues). The Official AT Expo Beer Stein will be at the Baltimore Convention Center for pickup Friday through Sunday, November 16 – 18. Purchasers must be present at the Convention Center to pick up the stein. A limited number of steins will be sold on-site for $75 each. So act now to receive your stein and AT subscription for just $45!

Image is a mockup of the actual Beer Stein. Stein style and artwork are actual. Wrecker showing on the lid may change to a vintage wrecker on the finished piece.

Towman Ballad CD The Premiere CD release of the Towman Ballad will be handed out to Festival Night attendees, following a live performance of the Ballad by Paul “Pop Siegel.

* Advance-Register on-line @ ATExposition.com

Baltimore Welcomes World-Class Towing Professionals "A towing professional may be 'World Class' because of the progressive way he runs his business: first class equipment, computerized dispatch, GPS ... But a towman with heart and dedication and a commitment to professionalism is also ‘World Class’ in my book." - Steve Calitri

The Food Is Out of Bounds!

From seafood and crabcakes, to barbecue and fine steaks, the many great trattorias in Little Italy (a short walk from the Marriott Waterfront) to the many eating places offering International cuisine, you will feast like never before in the Harbor!

Towmen and Tow Women love the Harbor; its food and activities and its neighborhoods; Harbor Place, Little Italy, Fells Point...

Friday Rocks Thursday Welcome American Towman Cruise, 5:00 p.m. Captains of Industry Conference, 7:00 p.m.

AT Academy, 8:30–11:30 a.m. Towman Hunt (Skeet), 9:00 a.m. DC Recovery Luncheon, Noon Exhibit Hall Preview, 2–5 p.m. Miller Rocks, 7:30–10 p.m. Calitri’s Cuba, 9–11 p.m.

Saturday Grand Opening AT Academy, 8–11 a.m. Exhibit Hall Grand Opening, 11–6 p.m. American Wrecker Pageant Open, 11–6 p.m. Order of Towman, 6:00 p.m. Festival Night, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday International AT Academy, 9–11 a.m. World Towing Conference, 9–11 a .m. Exhibit Hall Open, 10–4 p.m. ACE Ceremony, 2 p.m. American Wrecker Pageant Winners, 3 p.m. International Feast & Recovery Theater, 4 p.m.

The worlds best crab cakes are in Baltimore.

U.S. History – Just Steps Away Whether you visit the amazing B&O Railroad Museum closeby, or the ships and subs at the Harbor, or the Fort (McHenry) that inspired the Star Spangled Banner, or just simply step across the street from the Convention Center to hop a train to our nation's capitol just 45 minutes away – you'll find plenty of American history when you visit the American Towman Exposition at Baltimore's Inner Harbor.

McCormick and Schmick's steak and seafood restaurant on the Inner Harbor

Save on Events: Register thru this form or online at ATExposition.com

Register Today ... no later than September 28th $ave on Events, Seminars & Hotels • Avoid On Site Lines! AT Expo: Fax: 845-986-5181 • Mail: 7 West Street, Warwick, NY 10990 • Phone: 800-732-3869 / 845-986-4546 x214 •

' "#

By advance-registering, the “Boss” and one guest are admitted free to Exhibit Hall. $5 fee applies to all others. Kids under 14 free.

1st Registered Name: | 2nd Registered Name: |

3rd Registered Name ($5): |

4th Registered Name ($5): |

| Title | Title |Title |Title

Company: Show Special

Address: City:

State:

Phone:

Zip:

Fax:

E-mail:

PLEASE CHECK BOXES BELOW

First time at Expo: ❒ Yes ❒ 2. Secondary business (check those that apply): ❏ Towing/Recovery ❏ Salv/Auto Parts ❏ Auto/Truck Dealership ❏ Auto Repair/Serv. Ctr. ❏ Truck Repair ❏ Vehicle Leasing ❏ Repossession ❏ Auto Body Shop ❏ Distributor Equip ❏ Transport/Trailer Serv. ❏ Service Station ❏ Other______________ 3. No. Employees: ❏ 1-5 ❏ 6-10 ❏ 11-20 ❏ 21-50 ❏ 51-100 ❏ 100+ 4. Check one that best describes your purchasing authority: ❏ I authorize/approve purchases ❏ No authority ❏ I recommend

EVENT SIGN-UP

Country:

1. Is your Primary business Towing/Recovery : ❏ Yes ❏ No

5. No. tow trucks in fleet: ❏ 1-3 ❏ 4-7 ❏ 8-12 ❏ 13-16 ❏ 17+ Subscribe to American 6. Types of tow trucks in fleet (check those that apply): Towman (or extend your ❏ Light Duty Wrecker ❏ Heavy Duty Wrecker ❏ Transport/Trailers current subscription) ❏ Medium Duty Wrec. ❏ Carriers ❏ Class 7/8 Tractor and receive the Official ❏ Service Vehicle ❏ Rotators AT Expo Beer Stein on show floor. 7. Number of unclaimed vehicles sold to salvage or auctioned Advance-Registrants Only each month: ❏ 10 ❏ 20 ❏ 30 ❏ 40 ❏ 50 ❏ 75 ❏ 100

AT EXPO: Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 15-18 • Baltimore, MD

PRICING

FILL IN PRICE

! ( ! % &, 2-5 pm, #$! (, 11 am-6 pm • $ (, 10 am-4 pm, 11/16-11/18. You’ll need each day to take in all exhibits! Yes, advance register me for the exhibit hall. 1st & 2nd registrants are free: addt’l $5 each. You’ll badge is good for all days . . .$5 per person $ ___________ $ ___________ ❏ ACADEMY PASSPORT All Seminars, 11/16-11/18 (Includes breakfast Fri., Sat., & Sun. & Clubhouse Key) . . . . . . . . . . . . .$75 per person ❏ 1st registrant ❏ 2nd registrant ❏ 3rd registrant ❏ 4th registrant (register now and save: fee rises to $95 on-site) $100/$150 $ ___________ ❏ AMERICAN WRECKER PAGEANT Sponsor: Dual-Tech, Fri.-Sun., 11/16-11/18 Check class you will compete in - one vehicle per class and two per company. Trucks must enter Fri. and stay in hall until Sun., 5 pm

❏ EXHIBIT HALL

❏ Light (pre-2011) ❏ Light (2011-12) ❏ Med ❏ Vintage (Pre-1985) $150: ❏ HD Single Axle ❏ HD Tandem ❏ Rotator ❏ Carrier ❏ Champion Class (2011 1st class winners only) ❏ CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY DINNER & CONFERENCE Thurs. 11/15, 6:30 pm. Sponsored by American Towman Magazine, $100:

Marriott Waterfront Hotel; Surf ‘n Turf Dinner and Legendary Captains Long Table Limit: two people . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$75 per person ❏ A.T. WELCOME CRUISE Thursday, 11/15, 5 pm Board, Cruise Time 5:30-7 pm, Supper buffet. # of People _____ . . . . . . . .$55 per person ❏ TOWMAN HUNT-SKEET SHOOT Friday, 9 am, 11/16. Includes shooting fees, lunch and transportation. # of People _____ . .$75 per shoot ❏ RECOVERY CONFERENCE Baltimore Convention Center, Fri., 11/16, 12:00 noon, Donnie Cruse Awards Luncheon features critiques of winning recoveries. All recovery specialists welcome. # of People _____ $35 per person ❏ FESTIVAL NIGHT March of the Heroes, American Towman Medal, and live premiere performance of Towman Ballad. Marriott Waterfront Hotel Saturday, 11/17, 7:30 pm Features Gourmet Dinner, Entertainment & complimentary CD of Towman Ballad # of People _____ . .$55 per person ❏ AT SUBSCRIPTION W/PREMIUM GIFT OF AT EXPO BEER STEIN Order: ❏ one year/one stein ❏ two years/two steins . . . .$45/one year AT Expo Beer Stein(s) must be picked up Friday through Sunday at the convention center.

$ __________ $ ___________ $ ___________ $ __________ $ __________ $ ___________

TOTAL $ __________

! " at the ! ❏ BULL & PIG ROAST - FREE INTERNATIONAL FEAST & RECOVERY THEATER - FREE ❏

: Sponsor: Miller Industries, Friday, 11/16: 7:30 pm #_______ people. Sunday, 11/18, 4:00 pm at World Towing Pavilion, Baltimore Convention Center #_______ people. Be a towing industry "Ambassador" respresenting your state and country; company receives one ! "" & upon entering the feast.

PAYMENT INFO:

❏ Credit Card #:

Exp. Date:

Name on credit card

Signature Required:

❏ Check(s) Enclosed $______ (Registration, Event & Item fees payable to AT Exposition)

HOTEL RESERVATION REQUEST

Make out separate hotel check to Visit Baltimore/American Towman if not using credit card (1st night amount only)

❏ Hotel check enclosed $_____________ ❏ Guarantee reservation to credit card above

Arrival Date:______________, 2012 - Depart Date: _______________, 2012 Special Requests ____________________________________________________________________________ If reserving more than one room please list names for each room: # of Rooms __________ # of Guests in each room ___________ # of beds _________ Room #1___________________________________________ Room #2____________________________________________ Room #3__________________________________________ HOTEL CHOICE - Please write in your 1st, 2nd, & 3rd choice hotels below. You will be emailed your confirmation.

___Marriott Waterfront Hotel • $175 Sgl/Dbl AMERICAN TOWMAN HEADQUARTERS HOTEL, 4-Star, harborview, fitness center, restaurant/bar. Shuttle Service to Convention Center. CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY, FESTIVAL NIGHT AND TOWMAN ORDER CEREMONY TAKE PLACE HERE! GUESTS RECEIVE FREE INTERNET. SHOW YOUR BADGE AND RECEIVE 10% OFF FOOD / MEAL PURCHASES AT WATERFRONT H OTEL R ESTAURANTS AND R OOM S ERVICE .

___Marriott Inner Harbor • $172 Sgl/Dbl One block from Conv. Ctr., fitness center, restaurant. "& ( $ " & ( $!

# !(

# ! #

___Renaissance Harborplace Hotel • $172 Sgl/Dbl Balt2012

4-Star, rooms w/harborview, fitness center, restaurant/bar, connected to Mall. Three blocks from # !( # ! # & "& ( $ " & ( $! Conv. Ctr. ___Days Inn Inner Harbor • $125 Sgl/Dbl Across from Conv. Ctr., bar & grill, fitness ctr.

___Sheraton Inner Harbor • $170 Sgl/Dbl, $190 T One block from Conv. Ctr. with a catwalk, indoor pool, fitness center.

___Holiday Inn Inner Harbor • $135 Sgl/Dbl One block from Conv. Ctr., indoor pool, fitness center.

___Radisson Plaza Lord Baltimore • $119 Sgl/Dbl, $139 T Three blocks from Conv. Ctr., bar & grill, fitness center.

___Hilton Baltimore • $192 Sgl/Dbl, $222 Ball Park View Next to Conv. Ctr. with a Catwalk, pool, fitness center.

___Hyatt Regency • $169 Sgl/Dbl, $194 T One block from Harbor and two blocks to Conv. Ctr., fitness center.

:80 :1 >30 #)'

AAA %)&%$' +& ',@0

2: A4>3 , #)'

><?.6

& $"

30""

+0 074@0< 9CA30<0 9 (30 )'

'>:.6 1<0423>7490< =0<40= ,?>:8,>4. >:9 9:8,< 7- A49.30= =>,20 ?9/0<741> 3C/<,?74. <0,< =;,/0= =>0= ,B70 1:<6= =;<492 3,920< ,/,;>0<= >?9907 >::7 .:8;,<>809> ,8-0< 080<209.C 7423>-,< 3; /0><:4> ,?>:8,>4. ><,9= ,4< <4/0 =?=;09=4:9 092490 -<,60= 8470= ,4< .:9/4>4:9492 =?9 @4=:< /<4@0<= ,4< =0,>

'>:.6 +( 3,770920< (:9 +<0.60< C/<,?74. ';,/0= '>,20 )9/0<741> B +49.30= +( ?770< (<,9=84==4:9 ,> 92490

'>:.6 :/20 B <0A ,- 09>?<C >:9 0B>09/,-70 -::8 ,7?8 -:/C 7- A49.30= ,?>:7:,/ A3007 741> 70/ 7423> -,< 7:A0< A:<6 7423>= 49.,- .:9><:7= ,7?8 >?-?7,< ;C7:9 ?8849= 40=07 %:A0< +49/:A= %:A0< !:.6= ,4< .:9/4>4:9492 =>,4970== A3007 =48= ,4< .:9/4>4:9492 ,8 18 ./ =>0<0: A3007 /<4@0

'>:.6 :</ *?7.,9 * ,= %<49>,-70 *0<=4:9 <0/4> ;;74.,>4:9 ;;<,4=,7 :<8 1> '>007 0/ '>007 &08:@,-70 &,47= 9.30= +4/0 7- +49.3 0.6 ":?9> %C7:9 '>,4970== +3007 '48?7,>:<= (::7 :B0= A4>3 '>,4970== ::<= ,= 92490 ?>:8,>4. (<,9=84==4:9 %:A0< +49/:A= %:A0< !:.6= 4< :9/4>4:9492 8 8 / '>0<0: <?4=0 :9><:7

'>:.6 @ /40=07 ,?>: .09>?<C ! =>007 7- A49.3 <08:@,-70 <,47= 70/ 7423> -,< /?,7 .:9><:7= 7:A0< A:<6 7423>= =>007 .,- ;<:>0.>:< 43 >0<<,=>,< 2@A @ /40=07 ,?>:8,>4. ><,9= ;:A0< A49/:A= ;:A0< 7:.6= .<?4=0 .:9><:7 /<4@0<= ,4< =0,> =>,4970== A3007 =48=

'>:.6 , 1:</ 1 3:780= =>007 -:/C 7- A49.3 49 .,- .:9><:7= >::7 -:B0= =>007 7423> ;C7:9 ,?>:7:,/ A3007 741> @ 2,= 092490 ,?>: ><,9= ,4< .:9/4>4:9492 ;:A0< A49/:A= ;:A0< 7:.6= ,8 18 ./ =>0<0:

'>:.6 >:9 7- A49.30= - - 49/?=><40= ,7?8 -:/C 3C/<,?74. <0,< =;,/0= =>,20 ?9/0<741> ,4< A49.3 1<00 =;::7= ,4< ,9/ 070.><4.,7 3::6 ?;= ,B70 1:<6= ,8-0< 7423> -,< A:<6 7423>= ;0>0<-47> =;00/ ><,9= ,4< <4/0 =?=;09=4:9 ,4< 741> ;?=30< ,B70 ,7?8 A3007= =>,9/ ?; =700;0< /?,7 0B3,?=> ,4< .:9/4>4:9492 ;:74=30/ ,7?8 1?07 >,96= =>,4970== =?9@4=:<

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

'>:.6 09>?<C %<49>,-70 *0<=4:9 <0/4> ;;74.,>4:9 ;;<,4=,7 :<8 .09>?<C 7- A49.3 >?9907 -:B .:/0 8B 7423> -,< /:7740= 1 ,?>:8,>4. ><,9=84==4:9 =;<492 <4/0 3C/<,?74. -<,60 =>007 A3007= A4>3 .3<:80 =48?7,>:<= ;0<=:9 -09.3 =0,> ,8 18 =>0<0: "470= '>:.6 1: 1<0423>7490< 50<< /,9 =>007 =3,<6 >,47 7- A49.3 ,8-0< 7423> -,< >::7 -:B0= A4>3 =>,4970== 1<:9>= A3007 741> /?,7 .:9><:7= 0B>09/0/ .,3; .,> =;00/ ><,9= ,4< -<,60= ,4< <4/0 =?=;09=4:9 /?8; =?=;09=4:9 8470= ,7?8 A3007=

'>:.6 1:</ 1 7.2 .09>?<C <08:@,-70 <,47= 7- A49.3 =>007 .,- ;<:>0.>:< /?,7 .:9><:7= A3007 741> 7:A0< A:<6 7423>= 70/ 7423> -,< >::7 -:B .?8849= /40=07 ,?>:8,>4. ><,9= =;<492 =?=;09=4:9 3C/<,?74. -<,60= =>,4970== A3007 =48= ;:A0< A49/:A= ;:A0< 7:.6= .<?4=0 .:9><:7

'>:.6 :/20 B 09>?<C '>007 +4/0 ?8849= ?>: %<49>,-70 *0<=4:9 <0/4> ;;74.,>4:9 ;;<,4=,7 :<8 09>?<C '>007 ,<<40< +4/0 0.6 (::7 :B !423> ,< ?8849= 40=07 ?>:8,>4. (<,9=84==4:9 ":<0 %3:>:= >: :80

'>:.6 1 .09>?<C =>007 ,?>:2<4; ,?>:2<4; A3007 741> B =>,4970== >::7 -:B0= 7423>-,< A49.3 /?,7 .:9><:7= .?8849= 092490 ,?>:8,>4. ><,9=84==4:9 ,4< -<,60 ,4< <4/0 0B3,?=> -<,60 .<?4=0 .:9><:7 ;:A0< A49/:A= ;:A0< 7:.6= 8470=

'>:.6 28. 2090<,7 3:780= 1?77 3C/<,?74. -::8 7- 3C/ A49.30= 3C/<,?74. =;,/0= =>,20 ?9/0<741> 080<209.C 7423> -,< 30,@C /?>C ><?.6 34>.3 3:780= /07?B0 -:/C / <492= :9 >,472,>0 ,B70 1:<6= 28. 2090<,7 @ /0><:4> /40=07 =;00/ ><,9= =;<492 =?=;09=4:9 =49270 .3<:80 0B3,?=> 0B>0<9,7 ,4< .70,90< ,7?8 A3007= 8470=

'>:.6 , 1:</ 1 .30@<:9 ,?>7:,/ 7- A49.3 .7?>.3 ;?8; >::7 .:8;,<>809>= 7:A0< A:<6 7423>= ?;;0< 17::/= 109/0<0>>0= @ /40=07 ,?>:8,>4. ><,9= 8470= ,4< .:9/4>4:9492 =>,4970== A3007 =48= ,8 18 =>0<0:

@4=4> AAA %)&%$' +&

& .:8 1:< ?<<09> );/,>0/ 9@09>:<C

%<:=;0.> &:,/ +09>D@4770 "$ Number 212 on Reader Card

50 • July 2012 - TOWMAN.COM

Number 179 on Reader Card

DewEze Kit for ’13 Fuso DewEze’s 2013 Fuso 3.0 Liter Diesel Engine Hydraulic Clutch Pump Installation Kit, No. 700550, is now available. This kit for the new Fuso trucks includes a high-pressure option in ranges from 4,000-psi continuous to 4,500-psi intermittent. www.deweze.com

Coker Sales Relocates Coker Equipment Sales has moved to their new location centrally located in the

Dallas-Fort Worth region of Texas. The 31,000-sq.-ft. building has four service bays, three wrecker-build bays and two detail bays. A new truck paint booth installation is scheduled. Coker Equipment is family owned and operated specializing to towing equipment since 1981. www.cokerequip.com

Rahner Joins Twin State Scott Rahner joined Twin State Equipment as a product specialist/ sales and marketing manager in Las Vegas, Nev., to direct the day-to-day sales and develop the existing customer base. Rahner has more than 25

years experience in towing and recovery as a driver, owner and equipment sales manager. www.twinstateequipment.com

Meyer Adds Location Meyer Truck Center, of Olathe, Kan., opened its second facility in Oklahoma City, Okla., to serve the greater Oklahoma towing market. The new facility features four service bays, a large parts department and an experienced sales staff. They also have a large selection of new and used wreckers and carriers. www.meyertruckcenter.com TOWMAN.COM - July 2012 • 51

research company accountants what’s real for towers in the field.” Escalera has grown Mission Towing to 10 trucks and eight drivers. His mix of wreckers cover light- to heavy-duty work, and includes a 30-ton Century, 16-ton Jerr-Dan unit, and a mix of four rollbacks and four conventional autoloader light-duty units. Mission Towing has drivers that serve its commercial accounts, motor

On a

Photos courtesy of Mission Towing

Border Recoveries of Contraband Cars are Fraught with Danger and Surprise

52 • July 2012 - TOWMAN.COM

On the Border Among the recoveries that Mission Towing gets are collecting drug vehicles from the Rio Grande river, just south of town.

David Escalera (left) now runs Mission Towing, a company that his father Ricardo (right) started in the 1980s.

Mission by Brendan Dooley

club work and other duties, but Escalera himself likes to focus on the recovery work. “I consider us doing more than just tows; I prefer to do recoveries,” he said.

avid Escalera grew up in Mission, Texas, a border town with Mexico at the southern tip of the state about 250 miles south of San Antonio. He also grew up in the towing industry, working for his father, Ricardo, at Mission Towing, a company David now owns. “I’m a second-generation tower and grew up learning about the business and how to do this,” Escalera said. “I was helping here even as a little kid; I learned first-hand to love this industry.” Ricardo started the business in the early 1980s and is now semiretired, but still lends a hand where he’s needed. Escalera learned from his father it’s not right to “just take,” so he likes

Recoveries in the Rio Grande happen every few months and involve Texas Department of Public Safety agencies.

to give back to his city and the towing industry. He is “very involved” with the Southwest Tow Operators, which he joined about five years ago and is now second vice president and a director for his region. “STO is a great association trying to do good for the industry,” Escalera said. “We need to protect [towing and recovery] for the future generations. … It’s a good cause.” One of the big pushes of STO right now is countering Texas statehouse actions to regulate rates across the state. “We’re gathering information to show you can’t compare hill country towers in low population areas vs. a tower in Houston,” Escalera said. “We want to show the state and

The drug vehicles are typically fullsize pickup trucks, like Dodge Rams and Chevy Silverados, Escalera said. If they get caught in pursuit by authorities, he said they drive into the Rio Grande to escape. The driver, vehicle, drugs and all go into the river. “The dope floats, and there are guys with rafts on the other side trying to recoup their narcotics,” Escalera said. “That’s why these recoveries require SWAT teams and helicopters, there’s still narcotics in vehicles.” He added that the drivers don’t always survive the plunge into the Rio. Sometimes shooting erupts between border agents and dealers on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande during these river recoveries of drug cars. Escalera said all they can do is get on the ground under their trucks for cover. The dealers don’t want to hit the towers, they just want their drugs back, he said. TOWMAN.COM - July 2012 • 53

A disoriented driver hit the traffic poles at the border at high speed and died; because the incident was a fatal on the international bridge, Mission was asked to remove the vehicle as intact as possible, and do scene cleanup as if there'd been no accident ... in under 90 minutes. The vehicle was too fragile to lift off the poles (note the engine sitting 5' away), so they did their best to "unwedge" the sedan from the poles where it embedded.

“It gets pretty tense pretty quick,” he said. The Texas Department of Public Safety does sweeps and recon activity to recover vehicles every couple of months. The first time they did one of these operations, Escalera said they used several tow companies to assist, including Mission Towing. “We do a lot of river operations, we

were even in a feature from National Geographic last year,” Escalera said. “We are now the one company that does river operations with the Department of Public Safety; with the Swat Team and Dive Team with the Texas Rangers. “The divers in the water said they felt most comfortable working with my guys and our equipment, citing safety. … That’s how we ended up with that business.”

+63.'6* ':+3 8

468.

" 984 11/743 $% 0 2/1+7 ,6+7. /3,6'2+ ; .+:643 !+6/+7 /3*9786/'1 78++1 )'66/+6 ; 84;('6 34 ;.++1/,8

+8+ 922/37 11/743 '/6 6/*+ '/6 (6'0+ 1)4'7 -:; ; +3896= ,8 78++1 -'1:'3/>+* 79(,6'2+ (1'*+ 6'/17 78'8/43'6= .+'*(4'6* '3* 246+

46* & '984 & " ; $91)'3 8;/3 1/3+ )42547/8+ '984 14'* 02/1+7 )1+'3

;

'<<,46)+ 984 /3 784)0 412+7 "# *+8').'(1+ +3896= ,8 78++1 )'66/+6 -'1:'3/>+* 84;/3- 93/8 ; 0 51'3+8'6= 79(,6'2+ 6+2 6'/17 %.+1'3 ;/3). 1'3='6* 8441 (4<+7 2/1+7 ('1'3)+ 4, ,')846= ;'66'38= /3 ; 78'/31+77 *446 938/1 56/1 8. 46 02/1+7

46 8.+'78+6 3 #! !/3)+

Number 171 on Reader Card

54 • July 2012 - TOWMAN.COM

Part of growing up in the business for Escalera was being a regular at tow shows and Tow Expo Int’l, whether in San Antonio as it is now or Houston and Dallas. “I’ve been going to the tow shows ever since they were in Arlington,” he said. “I remember going as a kid with my parents every year. We’d go to get away from the office, and more importantly to see what was new in the industry. It was the place to go to see what new

68 6+* 922/37 .5 11/743 984 '/6 6/*+ '/6 (6'0+ 1)4'7 ; .+:643 ,8 78++1 '192/392 (1'*+ 6'/17 78'8/43'6= .+'*(4'6*

;;; 3+869)02'78+6 )42

!+6 :/3- ".+

Tow Show Int’l

46* 922/37 984 ; +3896= ,8 78++1 /-.8 5564'). 78'8/43'6= .+'*(4'6* +<86' 0+= 71487 -'1:'3/>+* 79(,6'2+ /3 8441 (4< ; 78'/31+77 *446

% 46* & 7+6:/)+ 93/8 ; 412+7 !3'8).+6 ('88+6= 7846'-+ '/6 )4256+7746 '3* ,6438 24938+* ;/3). 0 2/1+7

Prior to that first run with DPS, Mission Towing had done some water recovery work with the local fire department, which helped Escalera to better prepare for the Rio Grande jobs. “As one of the largest tow companies in our area, we concentrate not just on our trucks, but having all types of equipment needed to get any job done, so DPS knows they can count on us,” he said. “That’s probably the most unique thing about this area, is all the narcotics work,” he said.

Number 141 on Reader Card

This "easy" recovery followed a flatbed trailer flipping and dumping its steel beams.

equipment is available and learn in the seminars. “Today, we usually have at least two people attend seminars because there is so much information, and you can feel like you’re missing out when you’re at one seminar and missing another one,” he said. Taking notes at the seminars and sharing as a team afterwards helps everyone at the shop get in on the knowledge, he said. “I learned at seminars at the Tow

56 • July 2012 - TOWMAN.COM

Expo International from John Borowski to expand your business beyond just towing cars,” he said. That’s part of what lead him to concentrate business beyond just buying trucks, like getting air cushions and water recovery gear, that helped him net DPS work. He added incident management, scene cleanup and equipment transport to the business plan at Mission Towing following up on seminars he’s taken from Borowski and others at the tow show.

Number 191 on Reader Card

It was through the Tow Expo International that Escalera discovered Recovery Billing Unlimited from Bob and Eric Fouquette. He said that doing proper billing is as important a part of being successful and growing as the actual recovery work. “To keep up on recovery work, we do all the training we can on our own and at shows,” Escalera said. “We do Wes Wilburn training, Tom Luciano classes,” and more, he said. One of Escalera’s favorite moments at a tow show happened more recently when he began “passing the torch,” taking his young sons to their first expo. “I was proud to bring a third generation of my family in and experience that family feeling you get out of the show,” he said. “The great thing about the Tow Show is that kids and wives get to really see what we do, like when they watch the demos on the show floor. “They really enjoyed the show and it reminded me of when I was a kid, getting excited about this industry.”

Number 207 on Reader Card

Towing Green Gates Towing entered into the hybrid scene to evaluate for themselves what the service costs and comparisons were.

Alternative-energy vehicles in the towing industry by Mickey Mills

n an era of rising fuel prices and competitive pressures, towing operations must be constantly on the lookout for ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Unfortunately, there are no magic bullets and savings on the vehicle side can be somewhat elusive. It wasn’t that long ago when you went to select a chassis for a new tow truck you had two engine options: diesel or gasoline. Fleet managers today have more choices with alternative fuel options, even for medium- to heavyduty commercial trucks. Diesel/electric hybrids, natural gas/propane, hydrogen and totally electric vehicles are all on the table alongside traditional engine options. For fleet vehicles servicing a confined operational area, the hybrid solution stands out. Coca-Cola, UPS and FedEx are all large fleets embracing 58 • July 2012 - TOWMAN.COM

alternative fuel vehicles. By the end of 2011, Coca-Cola had more than 750 alternative energy trucks including six eStar all-electric, zero-emission vehicles in their fleet. For big fleets with deep pockets, that might be all well and good, but what about the small fleet, the one- or twotruck operations? That’s exactly the question Gates Automotive of Henrietta, N.Y., asked when they were ready to update their fleet. The problem for Gates was the limited operational data on how effective a hybrid engine package would be for the torque and horsepower requirements of a working tow truck. The solution? Gates purchased two Kenworth T270 chassis at the same time, one with the standard diesel package and the other with the Paccar-Eaton Hybrid. They integrated each truck with a Jerr-Dan carrier.

According to Gates towing manager, Lon Schwenzer, the results were surprising. “The service costs between both Kenworth trucks have been similar in effect to everyday use and maintenance,” Schwenzer said. “Overall, we have seen that the fuel savings alone has justified the additional costs associated with the purchase of the hybrid system. “When we purchased our hybrid, we took it on as an experiment. With this we did not know what to expect along the lines of ROI. … Since we have owned the truck, we continually see a 30 percent savings in fuel costs. These savings over five years will yield a return on our investment.” Beyond fuel savings, Gates did not foresee the marketing mileage their big green Kenworth would bring. “The hybrid truck has definitely come with a surprising and beneficial

Number 117 on Reader Card

Check out the Rates Page every week!

Number 189 on Reader Card

TOWMAN.COM - July 2012 • 59

While not seeing any fuel savings, using a hybrid truck in Yosemite National Park enabled Delaware North to be more environmentally friendly with reduced noise and emissions.

side effect. People love it,” Schwenzer said. “We find that the hybrid is without a doubt the most recognizable vehicle in our fleet. Many times we have customers, some of them new to us, compliment us on the truck and share moments in their day that they have seen it drive by. “This helps us to be a very recognizable company in our area and also helps

promote our beliefs on sustainability.” Gates has experienced some minor inconveniences along the way. Both the standard diesel and the hybrid Kenworth are on the same maintenance schedule and they see no difference in the service items. The labor and time to service are comparable. The one issue with the Paccar-Eaton Hybrid is the time it takes to get parts. Other issues

Number 153 on Reader Card

60 • July 2012 - TOWMAN.COM

have been small and revolve around the general integration of the diesel and hybrid systems. Kenworth continually steps up to correct and improve these problems, they said. To acquire their new vehicles, Gates leaned on Ron Eckler at Kenworth of Buffalo to assist in making the right choices. “Gates was astute enough to know they had to have the correct operating area for it to run,” Eckler said. “With their dispatch capabilities, they put it mostly in the inner-city operation where the hybrid unit is the motive force coming off a stop sign or stop light, all the way up to about 26-29 miles per hour where the diesel will kick in. “Operating under those parameters the hybrid will shine.” So the hybrid can return significant savings when operating on city streets in stop-and-go traffic. But what about rural applications where you are putting a lot of highway miles on the fleet? “If you run the hybrid mostly on the open road, it’s going to spend a lot of time in diesel operation and you won’t see fuel savings at all,” Eckler said. That scenario was confirmed by Jason Wolk, towing manager with Delaware North, the concessionaire

responsible for all services at Yosemite National Park. They acquired a hybrid carrier built on an International chassis, used initially in the Miller Industries Racing Recovery program. The truck had 11,000 miles when Yosemite put the truck into service. Now at 60,000 miles, the park is pleased with the truck even though cost savings has been negligible. “We have seen little in operational savings from the hybrid. The maintenance cost is in line with the rest of the fleet and with the mountainous terrain we cover there’s not much in the way of fuel savings,” Wolk said. “The benefit to us is the environmental impact in our partnership with the park. The hybrid runs much quieter with the electric motor in operation. Beyond that there’s a significant reduction in emissions.” With more than 4,000 Paccar-Eaton hybrid engines in service logging over a combined 5 million miles, the diesel/electric package has proven itself in the medium- to heavy-duty commercial truck market, but other alternatives are still evolving. According to Randy Olson, VP of Marketing at Miller Industries, a shift to other options is beginning to take shape. “At the recent NTEA show I saw more of a push for everything moving towards CNG fuels for the future,” he said. Aaron Turpen, the former big-rig driver and alternative energy blogger for GreenBigTruck.com agrees. “I don’t think hybrids are the answer, at least not electric hybrids,” Turpen said. “The near future for commercial trucking is natural gas, not electrification. The major advantage is the price adder for a natural gas solution is 10-12 percent, where the hybrid electric option can be as much as a 35-percent hit on the upfront cost.” With more and more natural-gas fueling infrastructure going in service, this is shaping up to be a viable cost-savings option for any size commercial fleet. If you are a towing fleet manager looking for ways to carve costs out of your vehicle operations, don’t neglect a thorough investigation of alternative energy options. With the right operational parameters and incremental fuel

savings, a decent return on investment can be achieved. Combined with the marketing benefits of a newsworthy Green initiative program, your operation can reap not only operational savings but bring along some PR benefits to help stay ahead of your competition. “Most of our operators are assigned to a truck when hired, but each one has experienced the attention and compliments received when operating the hybrid,” Gates’ Schwenzer said. “One of our drivers said, ‘It puts a smile on your face when people stop to ask about the

truck. They are genuinely interested on how it works.’ ” When people express that kind of enthusiasm for your trucks, an increase in business should be the result. Balancing cost savings with a culture of environmental protection will ultimately benefit the industry, the planet and your bottom line. Editor’s note: Mickey Mills is a freelance writer living in Oklahoma. He is a member of the National Motorsports Press Association and frequent contributor to TowIndustryWeek.com. He is the motorsports editor at Technorati.com.

Number 139 on Reader Card

TOWMAN.COM - July 2012 • 61

Video Recording Recoveries in Progress by Emily Oz

t’s been said that a picture is worth 1,000 words right? Then how much would you say a video is worth? My interest in video started when my parents got their first VHS video camera … remember the giant ones you had to hold over your shoulder? What a novelty it was back in 1986! There are a lot of family archives of me “practicing” with that old device. I’m starting to sound old now with my, “Oh how the times have changed,” talk, but I’m sure a lot of you feel the same about technology, as it can seem overwhelming with how fast things keep changing. I’m here to say it’s easier than you think to use the available video technology and it’s to your company’s benefit to start using it to your advantage. First off, you probably are currently being sage about taking photos of your work. This is something industry experts recommend for all tow jobs. The idea of insurance companies coming back to collect for damages you didn’t do is annoying at best. If you’re armed with photos of the job’s progression, you’ll be ready to dispute, and rise above, any damage claims. Now think about that unusual recovery … the high-risk recovery … the challenging recovery. What if you had video of the job? What could you do with that? Obviously, there’s the insurance part. Video can tell the story better than just photos for any insurance company pursuing unwarranted damages. Also, there’s an opportunity here for every operator in your company to learn. Take the video of the recovery and show it to your team during a monthly safety meeting. Encourage discussion, creative criticism and questions, so each member of your team is actively engaged in the learning process. What if the public could see you doing your job on that challenging recovery? They’d have a lot of respect for your operation! Well this is completely possible if you have a video you want to share,

62 • July 2012 - TOWMAN.COM

a web presence and a free YouTube.com channel. You can simply upload the video to your YouTube channel and then link it to your website or Facebook page. That way, when people look you up online, they can see videos of your various work. The video you take can also be saved for use in a future corporate video or commercial you may want to have created for your company.

Equipment Now you want to begin, but where do you start? The video camera I use is a lightweight Sony Handycam HDRCX160 that takes great HD video with a simple automatic setting. It was less than $400. I bought mine at Best Buy, but you can buy this model or something similar online or at any home electronics store. When purchasing a camera, look for one that is capable of recording onto an SD memory card (like the ones used in most digital cameras). This makes it easier to upload video to your computer, as most new model computers come with an SD slot. If you’re up for it, purchase a tripod to use with your video camera. I bought a Manfrotto 56.3” tripod for about $95 and this model is reliable and sturdy. Using a tripod is the single biggest factor in upgrading your video quality. Shaky video can be very hard to watch. Once you have your equipment (video camera, tripod, charged batteries) ready to document those unusual or challenging recoveries, you need to remember to grab it before you run out to the call. Decide who is going to be in charge of setting up the camera. Try to setup the tripod to get video before the job, during and after. If you can, narrate (speaking loudly) during the filming, describing what you’re doing and how. This will make the video more informative and interesting to watch. A couple things to keep in mind while filming: a rule of thumb to follow is to film in a sequence of wide, medium

and tight shots. This means first framing the whole scene (wide) then zooming into a medium shot, then focusing close (tight) to the action. It’s always best to film while activity is going on, as filming action is always better than filming no activity. And lastly, feel free to put your chief operator in front of the camera to talk about the recovery. Make sure the sun is shining on his face, not his back. Simple questions often elicit the best answers: Tell us about the recovery? What’s the biggest challenge of this job? In a pinch, you can use your smartphone to grab video. The quality of smartphone video is pretty good and can be used to your advantage. There are also video cameras that you can actually wear on your head, typically marketed to sport enthusiasts. I bet those would take great first-hand video of a recovery if worn by your operators! I’ve never tried one, but maybe that’s an idea for a future video on American Towman TV? Email me with questions at Oz@AmericanTowmanTV.com. If you want to submit your video to me, your challenging recovery may end up on American Towman TV.

Emily Oz is the anchor and producer for American Towman TV. You can email her at oz@AmericanTowmanTV.com

Number 126 on Reader Card

Hot Rods and Tow Trucks

irport Towing in Seattle, Wash., has been a family owned and operated business since March of 1988. Mark and Lynette Storer purchased their first tow truck and began running calls out of their house. Storer Enterprises now employs 12 people and operate 10 tow trucks out of two offices under the names Airport Towing, Burien Towing, Seatac Towing, and Seahurst Towing. They are a preferred provider for insurance companies, auto clubs, law enforcement, government agencies, commercial accounts and private customers. The company is a longstanding member of the Towing & Recovery Association of Washington, Towing & Recovery Association of America, National Federation of Independent Business, and the Better Business Bureau. The city of Burien remains the home of their primary office. Storer Enterprises has supported the Burien community since its 1988 founding through PacWest Little League sponsorship, Highline school district sponsors, fire department training vehicle donations and more.

64 • July 2012 - TOWMAN.COM

Tech Highlights “Orange” • 1933 Ford Custom Hot Rod Tow Truck. • 383-cid “Stroker” V-8. • Custom Built wrecker. • Custom graphics by Dunn Auto Graphics. “The Flame” • 1935 Ford Custom Hot Rod Tow Truck. • 305-cid Chevy V-8. • Holmes wrecker. • Custom flames and lettering by Dunn Auto Graphics.

They’ve also started the Storer Antique Tow Truck Museum and the Online Antique Tow Truck Museum (www.burientow.com/museum). Mark started collecting antique tow trucks in September of 1997 with a 1925 Ford Model TT; from there he developed a passion for the history of the towing industry as he worked to restore the TT into a classic tow truck.

by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti

Since that time restoration projects have been ongoing and they now have a collection of 13 classic and distinct different show trucks. From 1997 until his death in 2008, Mark collected each of those classic trucks, restoring three of them to pristine condition while continually improving the rest in the fleet. The three fully restored trucks were taken apart piece by piece and rebuilt from the ground up by Mark and his crew. Nine trucks in the collection are restored to “show quality” and have won awards at various local and regional events. In 2010, company members completed the restoration of a 1966 Ford F-350 as a tribute to Mark’s son, Brian, who died alongside Mark in a 2008 airplane accident. Two 1930s Ford hotrods are featured here.

Number 177 on Reader Card

Number 108 on Reader Card

TOWMAN.COM - July 2012 • 65

ROBERT YOUNGS SALES AND SERVICE 1-800-246-4785 540-982-3809 Sliding Rortators, Quick Swaps Sliders, Fixed Boom Rollbacks, Air Cushions We Buy Used Heavy Wreckers

robertyoungtrucks.com USED TRUCKS FOR SALE 2007 Chevrolet W3500 with a 2008 Century 311 Wrecker with 72,881 miles

631- 531- 0608 For info please call Craig R. Nadolny “CALL FOR DETAILS” on all units

ZACKLIFT www.zacklifts.com

HOLMES PARTS WHEEL-LIFTS Repo • Add-Ons

750, 600, 500, 480 & MORE!

1-800-337-2350 Hamman Engineering Fifthwheelers • Underlifts • Wreckers

800-950-7911 210-366-0374 Commitment Service – Integrity fax:

info@towagent.com

Visit us at www.towagent.com

To Advertise In Towman’s Market Call 800-732-3869 Ellen Rosengart x 203 erosengart@towman.com Dennie Ortiz x 213 dortiz@towman.com 66 • July 2012 - TOWMAN.COM

CED R O F N E G N OWI LL TIMES AT A

k 0@QJHMF 0DQLHSR k %WOHQHMF 0DQLHSR k 0K@RSHB (@MFS@FR k 6HRHSNQ 0@RRDR k ,NF "NNJR ICLES ED VEH 'S OR k 3L@KK 1T@MSHSX HORIZ NER W UNAUT O k #TRSNL 3G@ODR T A TOWED XPENSE E E ILL BE IC W #TRSNL 3HFMR 'S V R O E T 3HYDR S OPERA CKER REET T SA WRMEAIN SN U W ,789 A.B1.C 234UR TO5 5-6 O 5 ) Y 88 (8

ALL TYPE OF CUSTOM PRINTING FOR THE TOW INDUSTRY

Call & speak with one of our personlized service representativies today!!! www.AnchorGraphics.com )D[ info@anchorgraphics.com

•TOW LIGHTS •TOW LIGHTS ••WORK WORK LIGHTS LIGHTS •SAFETY •SAFETY FLASHERS FLASHERS •ADAPTERS •ADAPTERS & EXTENSIONS EXTENSIONS •CUSTOM •CUSTOM ORDERS ORDERS North Canton, Ohio • 1-800-490-3158 www.custerproducts.com

“World’s Only Full Functioning Wireless Taillight System”

WIRELESS LIGHTS Not all wireless lights are created equal. Make sure your lights have the Towmate name.

www.towmate.com 1-800-680-4455

OIL PAN DAMAGE STOPS HERE Never pay out for oil pan damage again 100% SUCCESS RATE, OVER 1,000 SOLD 100% MONEYBACK GUARANTEE Get the facts at www.panpillow.com

780-908 6560 panpillow@shaw.ca

Maximize your Return On Investment with protective tapes & films

Contact TomHrynda tom@roiprotectivetape.com 877-445-TAPE (8273) Fax-610-262-4598 www.roiprotectivetape.com Nobody Beats Our Prices Windshield Wrap 36" x 200' roll $50.00, plus extra 5% off for mentioning this ad!

TOWMAN.COM - July 2012 • 67

Number 164 on Reader Card

Number 151 on Reader Card

Number 150 on Reader Card

68 • July 2012 - TOWMAN.COM

Send your thoughts/suggestions on the Adventures to scalitri@towman.com or American Towman, 7 West St, Warwick NY 10990

Number 195 on Reader Card

Number 124 on Reader Card