5 minute read
Repo Run
The Joe Doblmeier Memorial Award
The Silver Star
For overcoming adversity and inspiring an industry
by Steve Calitri
Edward “Eric” Luchini is a second-generation towman; his dad, Ray, started Luchini’s Towing and Recovery (Las Cruces, New Mexico) in 1960 when Eric was a year old. The company covers a huge area of the American Southwest, running calls on I10 from Texas to Arizona and I-25 from Las Cruces to Albuquerque. Eric is hands-on in the business; like most owners who grew up in the towing industry he does whatever task is at hand, from janitor to owner, mechanic to dispatcher, and towing to heavy recovery. He includes himself on the heavy driver rotation. Then, in 2013, he was diagnosed with aggressive, Stage 4 prostate cancer. In just six months, his reading for prostate levels went from average to off the charts. So much so, that his doctor assumed it was a compromised test. Unfortunately, a PSA retest three days later not only confirmed the initial test, but had already climbed a few points. He was in surgery 30 days later to remove his prostate, additional tissue and lymph nodes.
His wife, Crystal, said, “His surgery was on a Friday; by Tuesday he was back in the office ‘barking orders’ at his tow drivers. … he was not going to sit at the house when he could sit in the office and listen to the scanner. … Two blood clots and two emergency room visits later and he was still answering the phones and going to the office.” According to Eric, coming back after the surgery was the easy part. Not long after the Eric and Crystal Luchini operation, radiation and daily chemo treatments for several months began. “Going to work was my savior – I could still get around,” Eric said. “I didn’t like staying at home. The operation is an operation. But the radiation and chemo really knocked me down. Especially towards the last week or two weeks.” “Not once did he miss a day of work,” Crystal said. “Worn out, exhausted, no appetite and feeling like crap—he refused to stay home.” “I’m pretty blessed,” Eric said. “My drivers stepped up. … They all worked to do what they had to do. “I’m a pretty good fighter. It’s what I can do.”
TowIndustryWeek.com is helping towers look ahead in 2017 with plenty of advice from columnists Randall Resch and Don Archer in the weekly Tow Business & Operations columns. Recent topics have covered lifesaving obligations, price gouging, first-quarter blues and more. Don't miss their weekly tune-ups targeted at your shop and employees. They also share their thoughts with readers each month, along with long-time industry contributors Terry Abejuela and Mark Lacek. Don't miss all their musings on operating more safely in the March issue.
American Towman TV later this year will be filming Mike Corbin's "Spirit Ride" concert and producing a film of the event. You don't want to miss being a part of that; learn more at ATSpiritRide.com.
Pa. Woman Suing Repo Firm, Others
A Philadelphia, Pa., woman is suing American Credit Acceptance, Par North America, International Recovery Systems and Clifford Williams, alleging violation of debt collection laws, breach of contract, assault and battery, conversion and negligence.
Kangi E. Crews filed a complaint alleging improprieties in the repossession of a vehicle, including claims she was falsely charged with offenses in cases that were then dismissed.
The plaintiff holds the defendants responsible on a variety of allegations, including a claim that Williams’ background should have kept him from working as a repossession agent.
Crews requests a trial by jury and seeks statutory damages, actual damages, court costs, treble damages and punitive damages.
Source: pennrecord.com.
Va. County Approves Tow Reforms
The Arlington County (Va.) Board voted unanimously at its meeting to approve new measures aimed at curtailing predatory towing practices.
The most controversial measure was one requiring a second signature for written authorization of the property owner or an agent for each individual trespass tow conducted at a non-residential property during normal business hours.
While local residents expressed their support, the Chamber of Commerce and many local businesses shared concerns it would but an undue burden on businesses.
The second signature requirement was voted on separately from the main legislation.
Other changes within the legislation aim at protecting vehicle owners. Tow truck drivers will be required to photograph the vehicle at all four corners, giving the vehicle owner a safeguard and towers protection against false damage claims. Towing receipts will now also include a disclosure that photos and/or video evidence are available upon request as well as contact information for the county office that handles trespass towing.
The reforms also include new requirements for signage and markings on the interior of parking lots and facilities to provide clear information about parking restrictions.
The County Board voted unanimously to approve the reforms. The implementation of the second signature amendment is delayed until July 1, 2017.
Source: connectionnewspapers .com.
