Ever wonder what it really takes to build an industry event that gives more than it takes? We sat down on the floor of the Tennessee Tow Show in Chattanooga with Brenda from Tow Times and Anthony from the Tennessee Tow Truck Association to unpack the moving parts, the purpose, and the payoffs you can’t see from a flyer. From an opening national anthem that shook the hall to a year-long planning cycle that starts the minute the lights go down, this is the story of a show built to lift towers, not just fill a hall.

We talk through the show’s “give back” DNA, why October dates matter for travel and weather, and how a true team effort—booth sales, banners, social, and on-site coordination—creates space for real training and real connections. Anthony shares the behind-the-scenes work of the association: funding a lobbyist, fighting for practical rules, and securing 13 amendments and nearly 19 revisions to a state motion act so towing companies can operate safely and profitably. That policy work ties directly to what happens on the floor: vendors demonstrating tech and tools, owners swapping pricing models and hiring tactics, and crews sharpening skills in light-duty, heavy-duty, rotator recovery and EV procedures.

We also dig into growth beyond the floor: the Towing and Recovery Management Summit, designed to help owners run their business instead of being run by it. Think leadership, finance, valuations, M&A timing, and smart tech like AI that can streamline billing, dispatch and communications. Along the way, you’ll hear personal paths—Brenda’s route from electroplating and barbering to event leadership, and Anthony’s journey from operations to association advocacy and music—that show how diverse skills make this industry stronger. If you want smarter training, better networking and a voice in the rules that shape your margins, this conversation is your map.

Want more like this? Follow the show, share it with your team, and leave a quick review so other towers can find us. Then mark your calendar for Chattanooga and the Denver Summit—see you there.

What if a single choice—choosing grace—could change the way we work the white line? We open with a raw reflection on public grief, forgiveness, and the quiet power of listening, then connect those values to the most practical lever we have: training that sticks under pressure. From youth engagement and more honest speech to concrete drills in brush-filled gravel pits, we explore how character and skill reinforce each other when the scene gets loud and the angles matter.

We welcome back owner-operator Michael Lard, who walks us through building an effective learning environment: partnering with a fire department for a professional classroom, then moving to field scenarios that mimic true recoveries—uneven ground, tall weeds, limited sightlines, and all. Michael explains why light-duty fundamentals scale to rotators and heavy-duty jobs, and why he often hires “green” talent to cultivate clean habits from day one. We get into the math beneath the muscle—rigging choices, load paths, and anchor strategies—while acknowledging the human side: humility beats bravado, and teachability can save a career.

There’s also a look at the ecosystem that makes operators better. Cross-training with fire teams tightens command handoffs and reduces chaos at scenes. Neighboring companies that cooperate during peak demand or holidays build resilience without sacrificing service. And yes—investing in classes and certifications for light, heavy, electric, and alternative-fuel vehicles pays off in fewer incidents, stronger retention, and a culture people want to join. We close with upcoming training dates and a reminder that your voice shapes this show: subscribe, share, and tell us who you want to hear next. If this conversation pushed you to rethink how you lead—or how you learn—drop a review and tag a teammate who should be in the next class.

What does it take to transform an entire industry through education? For Wes Wilburn, approaching his 1,000th towing and recovery training class, the answer lies in a philosophy borrowed from DJ Harrington C A N I – constant and never-ending improvement.

Since 1993, Wes has dedicated his life to elevating the towing profession through education that goes far beyond technical skills. As he shares his journey with hosts DJ Harrington and April Wilburn, we witness the evolution of an industry through the eyes of someone who has helped shape its modern practices. From the early days of basic recovery techniques to today's complex challenges with electric vehicles, Wes has adapted his teaching to ensure operators can safely handle whatever comes their way.

"My job in that classroom is not to tell people what to think," Wes explains. "My job is to give people things to think about they can take and apply in their own world." This approach has touched countless lives – many in ways that can never be measured. When operators apply proper techniques on dangerous roadways, they return home safely to their families, creating a ripple effect of positive impact.

The conversation also shines light on the industry's unsung heroes, particularly women leaders like Ruthie Landau and Gay Rochester who work tirelessly behind the scenes organizing events and fundraising. We learn about state associations that maintain injured drivers funds to support operators during times of need, highlighting the tight-knit community that defines this profession.

As Wes approaches his milestone 1,000th class, his mantra remains unchanged: "Develop from within so you never go without." Whether you're a seasoned recovery specialist or simply curious about the people who rescue you during roadside emergencies, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the heart and soul of an essential yet often overlooked industry. Subscribe now to join the over 20,000 listeners who make Towing News Now their trusted source for industry insights.