The Cost of a Poor Safety Philosophy – with Bill Giorgis and Brian Riker

The Cost of a Poor Safety Philosophy – with Bill Giorgis and Brian Riker

What does poor safety really cost a towing company?  To answer this question in episode 7 of The Tow Trend Podcast, hosts Shelli Hawkins and Dennis McGowan sit down with Bill Giorgis of Mike's Wrecker Service and Brian Riker of Fleet Compliance Solutions. These industry experts help us unpack one of the most important topics in the towing industry: safety.  Drawing from their Tow Summit presentation, The Cost of a Poor Safety Philosophy, Bill and Brian share how safety isn't just about compliance. Instead, it should be a broader program that, if effectively achieved, protects profitability, reduces risk, helps attract and retain good employees, preserves customer trust, and builds a stronger business.  Episode Highlights Cover:  * Brian’s meaningful quote about the job of towing professionals  * Bill’s favorite metaphor regarding safety and training  * Hidden costs of poor safety practices  * The most dangerous words in the towing industry  * The business impacts of negative PR   * Hiring and qualification challenges   * Safety culture and safety policy – one in the same?  * And more  Whether you're an owner, manager, tow operator, or industry enthusiast, this episode delivers practical guidance that can help you reduce exposure, improve accountability, and build a more defensible towing operation.  Listen now and learn how the right safety philosophy can protect your people, your reputation, and your bottom line.

Flagman Founder Cindy Iodice Shares Her Story, Mission, and Message

Prepare yourself — episode 6 of The Tow Trend Podcast pulls at the heartstrings. Our hosts Dennis McGowan and Shelli Hawkins share the mic with Cindy Iodice, founder of Flagman Inc. Her organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to reducing struck-by-vehicle fatalities through national Slow Down, Move Over education. Cindy’s not just passionate about this initiative because it’s important — she graciously shares her personal connection to Slow Down, Move Over awareness beginning with her deep family roots in the towing industry and a tragic loss that drives her mission forward. You’ll Hear: * Corey’s story * All about Flagman, the unique, early education program Cindy started * Tips on how to turn kids into roadside safety ambassadors * What it’s like as a passenger when Dennis takes the wheel (😮) * An open discussion where Shelli, Dennis, and Cindy share their own experiences dealing with grief over needless loss of struck-by victims * Sobering numbers and stats highlighting why roadside safety awareness is more important than ever * What Cindy, Shelli, and Dennis challenge every driver to do — right now This episode wraps up with a final, heartfelt message to everyone — relevant and deeply important whether you’re working in or a customer of the towing industry. Tune in, listen up, and walk away knowing exactly what you can do to help protect roadside workers. Learn more at FlagmanSafety.com [https://FlagmanSafety.com].

All About Tow Business with Jeff Poquette

In episode 5 of The Tow Trend Podcast our hosts Shelli Hawkins and Dennis McGowan bask in the warmth and wisdom radiating from a towing, recovery, and podcast legend Jeff Poquette –former co-producer and co-star of the beloved Tow Business Podcast. In this lively conversation, they talk podcasting shop, share stories from the field, and dig into where towing is headed next. While Jeff’s podcasting talent and advice is certainly highlighted, Dennis and Shelli also coax from him insightful nuggets for audience members on practical towing industry use cases for AI, the transition from inside the truck to inside the business of towing, and what future technology may be next on our industry’s horizon. Tune in for:  * The inspiration for the Tow Business podcast * Jeff’s podcasting progression – from kitchen-mounted boom-arm to in-home recording studio * 💡Jeff’s 5 rules on successful podcasting: Pre-set schedule breaks👉 this keeps content fresh and interesting vs. forced Prioritize sound quality 👉 record in a closet or a carpeted room Don’t try to do too much 👉 keep it fun and relevant Minimize editing 👉 simplicity and authenticity wins Ask your peers 👉 share a proof-of-concept recording and ask for honest feedback * 🚩 SPOILER ALERT: Jeff shares details about his new towing industry podcast – coming soon! * An introduction to Jeff’s alter ego 👤 Whether you’re on the road, in the office, or somewhere in between, crank up the volume and enjoy real talk, practical insight, and a whole lot of towing‑community love.  Learn more: https://autura.com [https://autura.com/]

Inside the Impound Lot: What It Takes to Run One Well

Welcome to episode four of The Tow Trend Podcast!  Hosts Dennis McGowan and Shelli Hawkins are joined by Konner Kelly of Unlimited Recovery & Integrity Towing Solutions [https://integritytow.com/] and Kevin Leigh, VP of Autura Marketplace [https://marketplace.autura.com/]. Together, the gang discuss real-world challenges of running a compliant, efficient, and profitable impound or unclaimed vehicle operation. With decades of combined experience across towing, impound, vehicle disposition, and auction operations, Konner and Kevin share practical insights every lot manager should hear. What You’ll Get: * What data to use for better impound lot forecasting * Legal requirement and compliance insights * What Konner does on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis  * Game-changing tip (SPOILER ALERT! It has to do with stickers) * 👻Phantom vehicle stories * Tow company and impound stigma and advice on handling upset customers. 💡Tip: don’t give this task to Dennis! * Retention strategies Konner uses to hire and hold onto quality team members Whether you run a large impound facility, manage unclaimed vehicle lots, or just want a clearer picture of how this side of the business works, this episode is packed with real talk, operational advice, and stories from the field. Learn more: https://autura.com [https://autura.com/]

Dispatch: The Heartbeat of Towing Operations

In episode three of The Tow Trend Podcast, Dennis McGowan and Shelli Hawkins host Mike Porter, founder of TDR Way [https://www.tdrwayllc.com/] — a leading dispatch training program — to share insights on how dispatch strategy can make or break towing business success. How should you think about dispatch and customer service? What role does (and should) technology play? What’s one change you can make today to enhance your dispatching approach. Hit play to find out!  What You’ll Get:  * A mind shift to change how you think about dispatch and customer service  * What 3 questions you should be asking your dispatchers every day  * A million-dollar takeaway you can use today   (Short on time? Jump to the 11:30 minute mark in the podcast!)  * Science-backed ways to help dispatchers manage stress  And, Mike and our hosts gaze into their crystal ball and share what the future of dispatch might look like  Tune in for insights, stories, predictions, and hot takes from towing and recovery experts, educators, influencers, and community members from America's most essential industry.  Learn more: https://autura.com [https://autura.com/]