American Towing and Recovery Institute onThe Go

The mental health crisis claiming America's youth has reached epidemic proportions, and it's happening in families from all backgrounds. Our recent podcast delves into this growing tragedy that's claiming lives through addiction, overdoses, and suicide at an alarming rate. We explore how even "good families" with strong support systems are losing young people to these deva...

What happens when an outsider questions everything about how the towing industry has "always done things"? You get revolutionary ideas like the Price Per Pound recovery pricing system. Norman "Stormin'" Horton joins the podcast to share how he transformed recovery pricing over 30 years ago with a concept that remains relevant—and controversial—today. Norman walks us throug...

Imagine a towing world where recovery equipment is 85% lighter yet stronger than traditional steel cables, and where safety hazards like deadly cable recoil become a thing of the past. That future is already here, as this eye-opening conversation with Johnny Sun and Adam Osterloo from Tow Tools reveals. Johnny's journey into the towing equipment industry began with a story straight out of a t...

When safety laws exist but aren't enforced, what's the real value of having them? This pressing question emerges during our enlightening conversation with Jared Varnado, fourth-generation tower and president of the Towing and Recovery Professionals of Louisiana. The harsh reality facing roadside workers becomes clear as Jared reveals disturbing statistics – only 56 Move Over citations is...

"The impression you leave on people is far more important than what you get from them." This powerful philosophy, passed down from father to son, forms the bedrock of Jim's Towing success story. In this inaugural episode of our multi-generational towing family series, we're joined by Jim Conroy and his son William, representing the second and third generations of their family b...

Pat Winer's journey through the towing industry reveals a career marked by innovation, service, and an unwavering commitment to community. From his humble beginnings in the paint department at Challenger Wrecker Manufacturer in the early 1980s, Pat shares the fascinating evolution of his career alongside the technological advancements that have shaped modern towing. Working under industry pio...

The dangers facing tow truck operators and the evolving strategies to protect them take center stage in this eye-opening episode of Towing News. We explore multiple tragic incidents, including a Kentucky case where a truck driver has been indicted for murder after allegedly watching YouTube videos before fatally striking tow operator Troy Caldwell. The driver now faces serious charges including ev...

The multi-generational heartbeat of the towing industry comes alive as John Beauman Jr, Third-generation owner of Beauman's Garage in Lockport, NY, shares his family's remarkable 75-year journey in towing. Born into the business that his grandfather started in 1950, John embodies the deep connection many have to this profession – it's not just work, but a complete way of life. As Fi...

The towing industry landscape is changing dramatically, and we're at the forefront of this transformation. In this revealing conversation, we announce the groundbreaking merger between Cardinal Legacy Towing Group and the American Towing Recovery Institute (ATRI), creating a powerful new force in towing education and operations. Kurtis Barks, the visionary behind Cardinal Legacy Group, shares...

Roadside dangers take center stage in this sobering exploration of the hazards facing tow truck operators worldwide. The deadly toll becomes immediately apparent as we uncover the shocking pattern of violence in Durban, South Africa, where three drivers have been killed in suspected drive-by shootings this year alone, highlighting an alarming trend that authorities have yet to address effectively....

Veteran tower Jared Innis pulls back the curtain on the economic realities of the towing industry in this eye-opening conversation about survival in a challenging business landscape. With 31 years of experience and as president of the Missouri Tow Truck Association, Ennis offers a frank assessment of the issues threatening towing companies across America. The financial mathematics of towing simply...

Tragedy struck the towing industry multiple times in recent weeks as three tow operators lost their lives while performing roadside assistance. These deaths underscore the critical importance of Move Over laws that many drivers continue to ignore despite the fatal consequences. From the heartbreaking stories of Ken Sopasto in Florida and Richard Rodriguez in New York—both killed while working road...

Wes Wilburn welcomes listeners to a deeply meaningful episode featuring a crucial conversation with Matt Milazzo, senior manager at the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Born and raised in Staten Island with a family dedicated to public service, Matt shares how the foundation's mission to eradicate veteran homelessness resonates with his personal values and professional aspirations. The heart of t...

When a tow truck driver's head gets run over during a routine repossession, it highlights the extreme dangers towing professionals face daily. Our latest episode dives into this shocking incident and several other headline-grabbing stories affecting the towing community nationwide. We examine the case of an Alabama ex-officer charged with murder after a fatal shooting during a truck repossess...

Every day, towing professionals face evolving challenges that demand awareness, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to safety. This episode of the American Towing Recovery Institute podcast delivers crucial industry updates that impact everyone from owner-operators to fleet managers. Breaking news from Kenworth reveals the planned discontinuation of their iconic 1.9-meter cab Class 8 trucks—in...

When seconds count in roadside emergencies, having the right information can save thousands in damages and prevent dangerous situations. The EV Clever app has revolutionized how professionals handle electric and hybrid vehicles by transforming what would be 60,000 printed pages of technical documentation into an instantly searchable tool that delivers precise information in under 30 seconds. Creat...

Hands-on towing training is revolutionizing the industry, and JT Reesor is leading the charge. As a second-generation tower who operates a 75-ton rotator by day and teaches advanced recovery techniques across the country on weekends, JT brings unparalleled real-world expertise to every classroom. The magic happens when theory meets practice. Working alongside Wes Wilburn at the American Towing Rec...

The towing industry stands at a crossroads of tradition and transformation, and Mike Lampert is leading the way forward. In this revealing conversation, the CEO of New England Truck Center shares his remarkable journey from a family business handling a single truck tow monthly to orchestrating over 100 calls daily across multiple locations in the Northeast. Lampert pulls back the curtain on how co...

Get ready for the Florida Tow Show this April! This year, we're excited to spotlight the incredible opportunities awaiting towing professionals at the world’s largest towing event. Dive into discussions featuring exclusive insights on the latest advancements in towing technology, innovative electric vehicles, and recovery equipment that will drive your business forward. In this interview with...

Ever wondered how the towing industry is adapting to the rise of electric vehicles and alternative fuels? Join us as we uncover the secrets behind a successful training session led by industry experts April and Wes Wilburn, alongside DJ Harrington. Hosted at the Fayetteville City Police Department’s advanced facility, this event drew 48 eager participants ready to learn the latest techniques and i...

How do tow trucks keep the Super Bowl running smoothly, while preventing chaos in the streets? Join us as we explore the unsung heroes of the towing industry who step up during major events like the Super Bowl in New Orleans, ensuring public safety and order by swiftly addressing accidents and obstructions. We also tackle the complex issues of public relations and preparedness for increased traffi...

What if your next towing operation could bridge the gap between emergency responders and tow operators? Join us as we unravel this season of Towing News with exclusive highlights from our sold-out heavy-duty class in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and the lineup for our next much-anticipated class in Alabama. We're excited to share our collaboration with the Florida Towing Association for a ma...

Imagine navigating the chaos of a hijacked tow truck chase or dealing with treacherous weather conditions in parts of the U.S. unaccustomed to snow and ice. These real-life scenarios set the stage for this week's episode of the American Towing Recovery Institute podcast. We take you through the gripping trial of Eric Streitzel, whose ill-fated hijacking of a tow truck led to a dangerous pursu...

News and Information from Wes and April Wilburn

Discover how snowy weather is transforming the towing landscape across the U.S. and why a standoff with state police in Connecticut has everyone talking. Our special guest, Jose from Big Valley in Vegas, shares fascinating updates from his company and insights into Nevada's towing industry. We also pay tribute to President Jimmy Carter, exploring his unexpected impact on the towing world thro...