American Towing and Recovery Institute onThe Go

Broadcast from the American Towing and Recovery Institute podcast studio, our Towing News Network offers you the latest updates, tech talk, and product reviews that keep you informed and ahead of the curve. With over 100 episodes archived, our library is bursting with invaluable information and thought-provoking wisdom. We're gearing up for our first show on January 8th at 5 pm Eastern, so ma...

Can safety and advocacy transform the towing industry? Join me, DJ Harrington, and my esteemed co-host Wes Wilburn, as we unravel the complexities of pressing issues facing our industry today. We start with a heavy heart, discussing the tragic death of Spencer Keegan and the subsequent lenient sentencing of Peyton Ferris. This poignant discussion underscores the significance of advocacy, exemplifi...

Caught up in an unexpected airport strike, I embarked on a wild road trip to Cleveland for a towing training class, battling through delays and a treacherous snowstorm. On the return journey, a wrong-way driver almost cut my life short, a stark reminder of life's fragility and the importance of cherishing every moment. These personal trials set the stage for examining how unpredictability and...

Discover the unsung heroes of the towing and recovery industry with us, as we shine a light on their relentless dedication to safety, education, and community service. Join DJ Harrington and towing veteran Wes Wilburn, boasting over four decades of experience, as we recount heartwarming Thanksgiving tales and salute those who keep our roads safe, even in the harshest conditions like the recent sno...

Discover the recent triumphs and ongoing challenges in the towing and recovery industry as we highlight the inspiring work of Anna Wingard and the Towing Association of South Carolina. This episode promises a deep dive into the legislative overhaul that now extends critical safety protections to those working outside of tow trucks. With the invaluable contributions of our new guest, Tanya, and the...

Discover the intricate world of towing with us as we welcome Jared Varnado, the third-generation owner of Varnado Sons Towing and president of Louisiana's Towing and Recovery Association. Jared shares invaluable insights into the regulatory maze that the Louisiana towing industry navigates, tackling complex issues like non-consensual towing pricing and the controversial towing practices durin...

What if the spirit of generosity could drive an entire industry? Join us as we explore the heartwarming stories of kindness and community spirit within the towing industry. We'll take you behind the scenes of a successful coat drive in Western North Carolina, made possible by the collaborative efforts of our dedicated listeners and friends. Alongside my co-host Wes Wilburn, we celebrate the i...

Discover how towing professionals across the nation are enhancing their skills and ensuring safety on the roads with insights from our special guest, April Wilburn. During our conversation, we explore a variety of upcoming training events, from light and medium-duty classes to specialized electric vehicle sessions, happening in states like Indiana, South Carolina, and Missouri. April shares the im...

Discover the transformative power of community resilience and support in the latest episode of the American Towing Recovery Institute podcast. Join me, DJ Harrington, and towing industry veteran Wes Wilburn, as we promise to equip you with vital insights into safety, education, and networking within the towing and recovery sector. Fresh from our enlightening training session in Medford, Oregon, we...

Uncover the secrets of building a robust towing and recovery network with insights from industry experts DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn, joined by Wes's wife, April. Experience the warmth and familial bonds that define our community as we celebrate the dedication of our listeners and highlight the impressive reach of our podcast and social media platforms. With over 15,000 subscribers and a co...

Discover how the revolutionary EV Clever app is transforming the towing and recovery industry in our latest episode! Celebrate with us as we reach an incredible milestone of 15,000  subscribers and explore the enthusiastic feedback from our listeners at the Chattanooga Tow Show. Dive into the world of towing innovations with insights from my co-host, the seasoned trainer Wes Wilburn, as we discuss...

Ever lost someone close and felt the weight of carrying on their legacy? Join us as we honor the memory of those we've lost in the towing community, including a heartfelt tribute from Matt Spencer to his late son, Keegan. DJ Harrington and towing industry veteran Wes Wilburn kick off the episode with an impassioned discussion on the critical importance of safety campaigns like "Slow Down...

Ever wondered how towing companies are revolutionizing their operations or how strategic mergers can double a business's footprint? Tune in to hear the latest developments from the frontlines of the towing and recovery industry. We kick off with an in-depth look at the recent training sessions that took us to Rhode Island and highlight some upcoming events, including the Midwest Regional Tow...

Unlock the secrets to mastering the towing industry's toughest challenges with insights from seasoned experts and industry veterans. Join us as we kick off the episode celebrating Wes Wilburn's remarkable milestone of leading his 940th training class and share valuable feedback from our listeners. As we transition from a bustling summer into a packed fall training schedule, we highlight...

This is a replay, we are honoring Johnny by sharing his remarkable story RIP Johnny Grant What if you could step into the shoes of a towing industry pioneer? Get ready to hear from Johnny Grant, a retired veteran whose career in the towing industry spans over several decades. Starting from his work at a service station in 1955, Johnny operated a variety of wreckers such as the Manley mounted on a...

Johnny Grant recently passed away, we honor him with a replay of this episode Join us as we sit down with Johnny Grant, an industry legend whose career spans several decades and whose stories are nothing short of inspiring. From a memorable trip with Ernest Holmes Sr. to his own adventures in the late 1950s, Johnny offers an authentic glimpse into the past, illustrating the ingenuity and resilienc...

Ever wondered how a towing business thrives in a small town or how to leverage social media for business growth? Our latest episode promises to equip you with insights straight from industry veterans. Start with a warm welcome from DJ Harrington and dive into the remarkable journey of our co-host Wes Wilburn, a seasoned expert with 40 years in towing. We celebrate a significant milestone—over 150...

Ever wondered how industry veterans manage to stay on top of their game? Join us as we unveil the secrets behind Wes Wilburn's jam-packed fall schedule, featuring training sessions and appearances from Rhode Island to Tennessee. Not only will you get an insider look at these invaluable opportunities, but you'll also hear about Wes's personal adventure to Niagara Falls and the exciti...

Can the towing industry survive without serious regulatory and financial reform? Join us as we uncover the critical challenges facing tow operators today, including the alarming rates of non-payment from insurance companies and clients, with some businesses reporting up to 60% of towing jobs going unpaid. With insights from industry experts like Wes Wilburn, JT Reeves, and Tommy Luciano, we explor...

What if the key to transforming the towing industry lies in the power of community and effective training? In this episode, we celebrate the recent successful training and recovery class in Rockford, Illinois, where 40 passionate students from all over the country came together to learn and network. We also reflect on the significance of surpassing 15,000 podcast listeners and the positive feedbac...

How are recent changes in the towing industry affecting your business? Discover the latest insights and innovations from leaders in the field in this information-packed episode of the American Towing Recovery Institute Podcast! DJ Harrington, the Tow Doctor, and Wes Wilburn dive into the latest developments in tow operator certification, especially focusing on electric vehicles. Tune in to hear ab...

Curious about how the towing industry is navigating shifting technologies and challenging insurance companies? On this episode of the American Towing Recovery Institute Podcast, DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn share their memorable Fourth of July experiences before diving into pressing industry concerns. Tom Luciano weighs in on the hefty towing bills and non-compliant insurance companies that tower...

Unlock the secrets to staying safe and competitive in the towing and recovery industry with insights from veteran Wes Wilburn. In this episode of the American Towing Recovery Institute podcast, we explore the vital importance of continuous education and collaboration among towing professionals. Wes shares his firsthand experience from a recent training class in Virginia and highlights exciting upc...

Unlock the secrets to thriving in the towing and recovery industry with the latest episode of the American Towing Recovery Institute podcast. Join industry stalwarts DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn as they kick things off with essential updates and insights, including highlights from Wes's recent training session in St. Louis. Whether you're eager to learn more about handling electric vehi...

Unlock the secrets of the towing industry's latest efforts to combat predatory practices and foster greater transparency. Join us as we explore the highlights of the New York Tow Show, where an auction raised over $10,000 for the Empire State Towing and Recovery Association (ESTRA). We'll also pay tribute to the incredible volunteers, including Tom Luciano, who showed tremendous dedicati...