March 19, 2025 • 37 mins
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 Recovery Institute, JT has transformed how towing professionals learn by creating immersive, realistic recovery scenarios. Rather than simple demonstrations on flat parking lots, students experience the challenges of tail wraps for leaning trailers, pick-and-swing methods for tractor-trailers with elevated drives, and other common roadside emergencies—all under expert guidance.
What makes these classes exceptional is their inclusive approach. While rotators have become increasingly popular over the past decade, JT recognizes that many companies still rely on conventional equipment. That's why their training incorporates techniques for both advanced and traditional tow trucks, ensuring every operator leaves with practical skills they can immediately apply.
The podcast reveals the extensive preparation required for these transformative experiences—securing appropriate venues, arranging casualties for demonstrations, coordinating multiple trucks, and ensuring host companies can maintain their operations throughout. This behind-the-scenes effort culminates in training that's changing industry standards.
Perhaps most exciting is the introduction of proficiency testing, where operators must demonstrate their ability to safely handle equipment, mirroring standards in related industries like crane operation. This represents a significant step toward professionalizing towing and recovery work.
Ready to elevate your skills? Check out upcoming training opportunities in North Carolina, New York, Florida, Massachusetts, Missouri, and beyond. Whether you're handling light-duty vehicles, heavy equipment, or preparing for the growing number of electric vehicles on our roadways, these hands-on classes will transform how you approach every recovery.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:05):
Welcome one and all to the American Towing Recovery
Institute podcast.
I want to remind all of youthat the American Towing
Recovery Institute aims topromote professionalism, safety
and education within the towingand recovery industry.
Remember, we provide trainingand certification programs for
towing operators.
(00:26):
We also advocate for industrystandards and best practices,
support research and develop allnew techniques, including
research and development ofelectric and alternative fuel
vehicles With extensive research, with the EV Clever app,
available now on Apple andGoogle Play stores, Foster
(00:50):
cooperation among industrystakeholders.
Please, if you need to contactus, we're always at wwwamtowri G
Now.
Here is Towing News Now.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
Well, thank you, dj.
As always, you're way too kindwith your introduction of me.
I certainly appreciate it,appreciate everything you're
doing to help the AmericanTowing Recovery Institute.
Boy, what a week.
We just got back from our firstheavy duty school of the year
and it was really a great schooland I'm going to talk about
(01:30):
that a little bit with our guesttoday.
I'll talk about it a little bitas well, but before we do that,
dj, how are you feeling today?
Speaker 1 (01:40):
I am doing excellent.
Thanks to all the prayers andwell wishes from our listeners
for the Towing News channel, ithas been excellent and I am
doing fantastic.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
Well, you know, you mentioned your health situation.
We definitely had a lot ofpeople commenting like you got a
lot of people out there thatcare about you and love you and
are worried about you.
Speaker 1 (02:05):
It was a scary that you and love you and are worried
about you.
It's very nice.
Your Toe Doctor is still around.
I am still around.
I'll be down at the Florida ToeShow and I will be also three
blocks away at the Recycler Show, so we're doing two shows the
same weekend.
Speaker 3 (02:24):
And speaking of Florida, JJ, this is April here.
Happy to be with you guys again.
Florida's going to be beautifulin April, but it is gorgeous
here.
It's 80 degrees here today inNorth Carolina.
I don't know how your weatheris, but we are doing fantastic
here.
Speaker 1 (02:40):
In Atlanta.
It is 75 degrees, so you'rewarmer than we are.
Yeah, it is 75 degrees, soyou're warmer than we are.
Speaker 3 (02:46):
Yeah, it's perfect weather.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
Yeah, it's beautiful out Nice blue skies, it's very,
very nice and, of course,florida.
I'm excited because the Tunnelto Towers on Friday at noontime
we're giving two vans away andthanks to our listeners it has
been really a very big blessingand we'll be giving two vans
away to Tunnel to Towers to helperadicate homeless veterans.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
So, DJ, I want you to talk about that because I found
there's two kind of, in myworld, different people that I
talk to two different kind ofpeople when it comes to Tunnels
to Towers.
One of them is like myself andmy wife.
We watch a fair amount of cableTV, cable news in particular,
and we know exactly who Tunnelsfor Towers is and how they came
(03:38):
from out of the ashes of 9-11.
So families of wounded warriorsand soldiers have been doing a
wonderful job with the A1 plusrating from the different people
that look into charities likethat and they advertise quite a
bit.
Then I have a group of friendsthat are a little bit younger,
(03:59):
most of them.
They don't watch any cable TV,cable news, etc.
They don't watch anything withTV, cable news etc.
They don't watch anything withcommercials for the most part,
and so they're not as aware ofthe charity.
Can you give us a quickoverview of the organization
(04:21):
maybe?
Speaker 1 (04:22):
Yeah, well, briefly, just like Wes said, time of
Towers was created after 9-11.
When most people are runningout of the building,
firefighters were running intothe building and we had lost 306
firefighters that day alone,not counting all the other
(04:42):
business people that were insidethe building alone, not
counting all the other businesspeople that were inside the
buildings.
So this started by helpingthose families, and then it grew
and it started helpingeverybody who's a first
responder.
So the police officers in NewYork who were killed by two
(05:07):
bullets from newcomers.
They were then taking care ofpaying off their mortgages on
their homes and it led tohelping first responders.
So now they help firefighters,they help police officers, and
now they're buying buildings,old hotels, and converting them
(05:28):
into centers to eradicatehomelessness of veterans.
So they started one in Houston,one in Florida, we have one in
Atlanta here where I am, andit's right next door to Six
Flags.
So when I went down there, theytook the old Western Hotel that
was abandoned for two years.
(05:48):
They have bought the propertyand on the first floor is the
PSTD Center, there's anemployment center, there's a job
occupation location, and thenon the second, third and fourth
floor of the building we'llactually house, 96 homeless vets
(06:08):
, so it's a really great programand these vans are going to
those centers.
So because of this podcast, wealready have a van set for
delivery five months from nowout in Colorado.
We have a van up in New Yorkready for when they do one up in
upstate New York.
So, little by little, this hasreally grown and thanks to the
(06:33):
listeners of the podcast, it hashelped tremendously.
Speaker 3 (06:37):
It also goes to show you how Tunnels to Towers not
only have expanded but haveevolved with their charity as to
it initially was forfirefighters because of the 9-11
horrible tragic event, and it'swent to veterans, and it's went
to homeless veterans and it'sjust, I think it just keeps
(06:59):
improving and getting better andgetting better.
Speaker 1 (07:07):
And the thing, wes, that you brought up is I had a
friend who made a comment and hesaid what's the difference
between Wounded Warriors andTunnel to Towers?
Tunnel to Towers, not oneperson in an executive position
is paid a dollar.
They're all volunteers.
Executive position he's paid adollar.
They're all volunteers.
At Wounded Warriors, the headof Wounded Warriors last year
(07:29):
made $306,000.
It's right on the end.
So this is a company.
Just like Wes said, it's thesecond best charity in the
United States and I'll be happyto tell our listeners Tunnel to
Towers is number two.
St Jude's Hospital is numberone, that's really a company to
(07:53):
be in there 6.8% of every dollar, and Tunnel to Towers is 95.5.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
Well, that's great that you're going to be there
and I can recognize you atFlorida at the Recycler Show in
Orlando in April.
It's really awesome work you dofor those folks, dj, I'm really
proud to associate myself withyou.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
Well, I want all our listeners to know on the banner
hopefully they'll see on FoxTelevision that night it'll say
the American Towing and RecoveryInstitute was a big cause of
this success, of what's going ondown there.
I thank you, wes, and I thankall of our listeners.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
That's very humbling, very humbling.
Speaker 1 (08:41):
And we thank you, dj, we really do so we got a great
show today, great interviewcoming up.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
We're going to talk about training in the interview
and we'll be talking abouttraining now.
Here's our current schedule.
Speaker 4 (08:59):
On March.
We'll be in Morganton, northCarolina, on the 21st with a
two-hour EV course at LibertyTowing.
The 22nd to the 23rd in LibertyTowing we'll have a two-day
heavy-duty rotator course OnApril.
The 4th we'll be in Long Island, new York, with the two-hour EV
(09:20):
course at All-County Towing andon the 5th and the 6th at
All-County we'll have anadvanced level light-duty course
.
On the 10th to the 12th ofApril, that is, the Florida Toll
Show at the Host Hotel HiltonOrlando.
On the 10th we have a free,with registration to the
(09:41):
convention, one-day heavy-dutyrotator course with electric and
alternative fuel.
On the 11th we'll be with DJHarrington at the Tunnels Towers
event in Orlando, florida.
On the 22nd to the 24th of Aprilwith the STA of Massachusetts.
We have three separate EVclasses Massachusetts.
(10:06):
We have three separate EVclasses One's at Wind Street,
massachusetts, at the WindStreet Service, ted's of
Fayville in Southboro,massachusetts, and Dorenzo's
Towing in Worcester,massachusetts.
For those classes you registerat statewide towingorg In May.
The 16th will be in St Louisfor one-day light duty at
Cardinal Towing.
We'll also be at CardinalTowing for the 17th and 18th for
(10:31):
a two-day heavy duty withrotator course.
The 19th through the 21stthere'll be, a hazardous
materials technician course withPerry Beattie at Cardinal
Towing in St Louis, Missouri.
Course with Perry Beattie atCardinal Towing in St Louis,
Missouri.
In June at Lake George, NewYork, from the 6th to 8th is the
Esther Tow Show.
We'll be glad to see you there.
We'll also be hosting the liveauction at the Esther Tow Show
(10:57):
on the 6th.
On June 20th we'll be inMedford, Oregon, for a light
duty course at Star 24-HourTowing.
The 21st to the 22nd we'll havea two-day heavy duty rotator
course at Star 24-Hour Towing inMedford, Oregon, and October
3rd to the 5th we'll be in theBuffalo and Niagara Falls area
of New York for a three-dayextreme advanced level heavy
(11:19):
duty course.
And that is a look at training.
Let's take a break and we'll beright back with today's guest.
Speaker 6 (11:32):
For electric and other alternative fuel vehicles.
We have developed an app thatgives you all the manufacturers
411 for when that 911 happens.
Whether you are a fire tower orpolice, we got you covered.
To find the EV Clever app, goto your Apple or Google Play
store for a 30-day free trial.
Speaker 4 (11:51):
We also offer the National Tow Operator
Certification, an independentlysourced virtual testing program
covering light duty, heavy duty,electric and alternative fuel.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
vehicle light duty heavy duty electric and
alternative fuel vehicle.
Welcome back listeners.
Of course you know you'relistening to the new Towing News
channel and this is a greatprogram.
Today, I want to remind all ofour listeners.
We're available on Spotify,itunes, pandora, stitcher,
iheartmedia, amazon or whereveryou get your podcasts, and I
(12:27):
want you to thank you.
We have over 18,000 listenerson a regular basis and it's all
because of Wes Wilburn, aprilWilburn and the great listeners
that tell their towing friendsall about our channel.
So, without further ado, wes,let me pass it back over to you
for our great guest.
We'll be back one more time.
Speaker 2 (12:54):
Thanks, dj.
Today our guest is JT Reesor.
As many people know, he's beenworking with me as an associate
instructor for over a year nowand has come a long ways and
helped take the program a longways, and I'm excited about what
you're helping us do with theprogram and your involvement.
Jt, reintroduce yourself to theguest for us and tell us a
(13:16):
little bit about yourself, ifyou would please.
Speaker 7 (13:20):
I'm JT Rees, from St Louis, missouri.
I certainly worked for J&IHauling, which is a parent
corporation to now eight towingcompanies around the country.
Most of them are located herein St Louis, with the exception
of one we have in Naples,florida, second generation tower
.
I was born and raised in theindustry, started out answering
(13:42):
phones.
I was born and raised in theindustry, started out answering
phones, worked my way up throughthe shop and up to where I run
a 75-ton rotator, and currentlythe 75-ton rotator is your
day-to-day driver.
Speaker 2 (13:54):
but you also drive a light duty to help cover police
calls, don't you?
Speaker 7 (13:58):
Correct.
Yeah, I have a 75-ton that's mydaily foot heavy if I need it.
And then I still take a lightduty roll back home with me
every night.
Speaker 2 (14:09):
And you're also serving the capacity of fleet
manager at this point, don't youTell us a little bit about the
size and the scope of that part?
Speaker 7 (14:20):
of it.
So we have 130 reasons to putit all together I kind of
oversee that and five of ourfull-time mechanics making sure
that everything stays up to dateon the service work and make
sure the guys got their trucksto run each day.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
So you definitely have your hands full on a daily
basis, and yet you make time totravel with me around the
country.
Speaker 7 (14:46):
Yep, it's kind of my escape on the weekends is to
sneak a look in this place.
It still works, but it's moreenjoyable to see the light bulbs
light up in the classroom.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
Yeah, it's amazing how the vibe in some of these
classes as that sharing ofinformation happens.
It's one of the things I loveabout doing what I do in this
industry, so I give you a lot ofcredit.
By being still involved day today, you've taken our hands on
(15:20):
to a whole different levelkeeping us current and update
and helping us focus ondifferent subjects.
We tend to focus a lot more ontelling situations and whatnot
now.
Speaker 6 (15:36):
I have a question to ask.
Maybe I ask the question, butwe come back to it a little bit
later on.
What got you interested in thetraining part of this, with with
your life being so fullpersonal life and then your job
being so full with all theresponsibilities that you have?
Speaker 7 (15:54):
um, so I started at a young age with training.
Um, like I said, I was born andraised in a business, so my old
man believed in it.
That, um, if you're gonna begood at so, if you're gonna do
something, you might as well be,you know, be the best you can
be at it.
And so he started sending me totraining classes, wes.
I went through one of Wes'sclasses when he was with rec
master at 13 years old here inSt Louis and it kind of just um,
(16:19):
you know, stuck with me ongoing through the classes that I
could get to and it's justreally, um, it's a waste of time
if you don't pass it along inthe industry, in my opinion.
Speaker 6 (16:32):
Um, the new guys and there's something to be, there's
something to be said about thattoo.
I don't know if people quitethink of it in that way, but
you're right, you got yourexperience, which might be a
little bit different than, umpeople from other parts of the
country.
Speaker 7 (16:48):
That that you could, that you could share, yeah and
that's the nice thing withtraveling and doing this stuff.
You know, whether you know,here in missouri we call it.
You know, go get me a shackleand other parts.
They say give me a d-ring, oryou know, or a or a clevis.
Speaker 6 (17:03):
I've heard clevis too , yeah.
Speaker 7 (17:05):
Clevis is another one Mm-hmm.
You know, but just thedifferent terminologies that we
use around the country but alsothe different styles you know,
trying to take that and developinto the program to where we can
(17:26):
deliver the best product outthere for our guys.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
It's very rewarding.
It really is Talking aboutdelivering the best product, the
hands-on we accomplishedtogether, you taking the lead,
me just being there and helpinga little bit.
But last weekend, well, firstof all we got to talk about the
host.
The host is what wins or losesthe game and Cody and Heather
(17:55):
Post.
Last weekend down in Alabama Iwas at their yard.
Of course we work with Griffinand Griffin are part of the
sponsorship of the class, butCody really did a great job with
things, didn't he?
Jt.
Speaker 7 (18:10):
Yeah, cody and his crew, Cody and Heather's crew
that got on the CP record had agreat job.
I mean, it was the hands-onportion of it was as realistic
as we've had in a long time asfar as scenarios that were set
up.
And so it was.
It was great, you know, and wehad, you know, griffin and
griffin was there as well and weused, you know, able to use
multiple trucks from multiplecompanies to complete scenarios,
(18:34):
multiple scenarios going on atone time to where um basically
set up like stations, to wherethey can go, you know, divide
the class up in groups, to whereeverybody gets a chance to
participate in it.
And then, with that is that youknow everybody, you know we
break them up in groups, wesplit them up like we did.
You know, each team goes totheir station, they learned how
(18:57):
to rig it there and then, beforethat scenario is completed
though, the whole class goesover and goes through that
scenario together to watch therecovery actually happen.
And so everybody, you know theymight not be hands-on in every
scenario of it, but they'regetting to see and hear that in
here, that see the demonstrationon how it comes out or how the
(19:17):
you know how it's upright toperform, and to me that takes it
to another level, to where theyactually you know they're
getting more bang for their buck, as opposed to just seeing one
or two recovery scenes done.
Speaker 2 (19:29):
Yeah, and that was in big part because the students
were willing to work hard andpull together to make that
happen.
We've got an upcoming class inNorth Carolina.
It's going to be just a coupledays from now, as this podcast
drops, but we're going toachieve the same thing there.
We already have extra towtrucks.
(19:50):
Hunters is one of our foundingmembers in Charlotte.
They're sending employees and Iasked Rick if he could send a
truck, so that's one of theextra trucks, and the folks that
are putting it all togetherDanny and whatnot with the Tow
Association are working hard toget us multiple trucks.
So we're going to try to dothat same thing multiple
(20:12):
workstation, multiple trucks.
We also did some proficiencytesting that we hardly ever get
to do and I want to talk aboutthat, but at this point, I think
, think we got to take a quickbreak, so, jt, can you hang
around till after the break yes,sir
Speaker 5 (20:29):
thank you, we'll be right back the best towing
companies offer a combination ofgreat training, efficient
operations, along with qualitysupplies.
Towing equipment direct iscommitted to help your towing
company stay ahead of thecompetition by providing the
best quality of towing equipmentand supplies.
(20:49):
Here's why you should chooseTowing Equipment Direct for all
of your towing supply needs.
We provide affordable towingsupplies and equipment.
All towing supplies andequipment are made from the
latest technology and we supplyproducts from the most respected
brands in the towing industry,offering the widest variety of
towing supplies and equipment inNew England.
If you're not using the latesttowing equipment, there's a good
(21:13):
chance your company has fallenbehind.
Savvy consumers can quicklytell which towing companies
provide the best service.
In many cases, the quality ofyour equipment and supplies can
make a huge difference.
Our representatives areknowledgeable in the towing
industry, so for the best towingequipment and supplies, count
on the team at Towing EquipmentDirect.
Browse our catalog online attowingequipmentdirectcom or give
(21:38):
us a call at 910-747-9000.
That's 910-747-9000.
We look forward to serving you.
Speaker 1 (21:47):
Welcome back listeners.
Of course you know you'relistening to the number one
podcast in the towing recoveryindustry, towing News Channel
and this is a special episode.
Jt is doing a fantastic job.
I want to remind all of ourlisteners to like and review and
share everywhere.
Always welcome people that arebrand new to the podcast.
(22:10):
I thank the new listeners ontoday.
If you're a state associationand you want some news put on
the podcast, dial the hotlineline right at the podcast center
, 706-409-5603, and Wes andApril Wilburn will do their very
best to implement it into thenext podcast.
(22:32):
So, without further ado, I'llsend it back over to April
Wilburn.
Speaker 6 (22:37):
April hey, dj, thanks for welcoming me back.
I think part of the success inpart some of the success for
Opelika is what's happening forthe class that Wes and JT are
going to do together inMorganton, and that's a lot of
the communication prior to it, alot of the planning between you
two, the host, other companiesaround.
(22:58):
That's also what's happening inMorganton, north Carolina, this
week.
There's a lot of back and forthgoing, a lot of things that
people don't see when they walkin the door and sit down at that
class.
There's a lot of legwork thatgoes into that.
What can you say about that?
Jt?
Speaker 7 (23:17):
Yeah, people, I don't think there's a lot of people
that realize that there's a hugeundertaking to put on one of
these classes.
As far as you know, finding ameeting room that's suitable for
, you know, up to 45, 50students, um, getting sponsors
for lunch, so that for the meals, so that, um, we can all be
together, because for our forlunch, because not only at the
(23:40):
class you get to learn theknowledge, knowledge from us and
we learn from the students aswell but the amount of
networking that can go on atthese classes, so like a
sponsored lunch, makes it greatto where everybody can stay
together.
They can tell their work storiesor talk about different jobs
that they've done and differentthings Down to, you've got to
(24:00):
have the casualties for us touse outside is what can we roll
over, what can we hook up to toshow towing procedures and stuff
like that.
And then still, you know, eachcompany that we go into to do
these at, they still got to beable to run their day-to-day
operations, because we all knowtowing is a 24-7 business and,
kind of like the fire department, never know what's going to
happen until the phone rings.
So it's a huge undertaking toput one of these classes on.
Speaker 6 (24:24):
Yeah, wes used to say if you want to get busy, let me
host a class here and that sameweekend it just seems like
everything just all riles upthen.
Speaker 7 (24:41):
Oh, pretty much yes.
So without the constantcommunication back and forth
weeks prior to it, it would be areal challenge.
Last weekend was great becausea lot of times we're coming into
town and we're trying to set upfor these.
But you know, cody and Heatherhad everything.
All the scenario was basicallyset up to where I didn't have to
(25:08):
go out in the field and setthem up in the morning where
class was going on.
Speaker 2 (25:10):
So that made it even better to where I actually get
to be involved in the classroomportion of it as well, and
that's so important because whatwe're trying to do is take what
we talk about in the classroomand put it to life in the field
and I have to say JT's done awonderful job of that and by
being in the classroom, get somemore opportunity to interact
(25:30):
with the students there, prepfor things that we're going to
do outside on the hands-on whena certain point's made, so that
just makes the flow of the classgo that much smoother.
Speaking of hands-on, wedefinitely have people that are
stepping up to help you at thedifferent classes.
Cody Post was just wonderfulhelping last weekend, but the
(25:56):
reality of the situation is wecould use some more help in that
regard, can't we?
Jt?
Speaker 7 (26:01):
Oh, absolutely.
I think that you know, with ustrying to push forward, be more
progressive thinking withrunning scenarios and multiple
stations at one time, I think itwould be great if we could.
You know we can add.
You know we've got some guysaround the country that have
talked about it, but if we couldadd some guys that are
interested in coming on to theteam and traveling to a couple
(26:24):
of schools with us a year anddoing part of the hands-on
portion with us, it'll help takeour program to the next level.
If any of you guys out therethat are listening or interested
reach out, we'd definitely beinterested in talking to some
guys if they're interested indoing some training with us
absolutely, um, starting one ofthe starting points with that is
(26:48):
have a resume put together.
Speaker 2 (26:51):
Uh, in this day and age is easy enough to get that
done.
But that is one of the startingpoints.
And it's guys, gals, um, we'reopen-minded and open to working
with whoever has a passion andan interest in this industry.
So, as far as the hands-on one,you know.
(27:14):
Just another thing I want totalk about real quick.
We're still doing some of thebig recoveries, but we're also
doing what we feel are morecommon jobs, uh, that happen in
the day-to-day.
Tell them about the trailerthat we did, the, the tractor
trailer in the ditch, loaded,leaning, how you know.
(27:36):
One of the things about aboutthat job was the drives on the
upper side were up in the air.
So it was a real deal.
Tell us.
Speaker 7 (27:50):
You know, we simulated a tractor trailer that
ran off the road.
We truly had a ditch that itwas in, so it was leaning the
tandem to the tractor on theright step.
So with that scenario we wereable to utilize a tail wrap in
the trailer and teach that,which is a common practice
(28:10):
around the country to do thatthe way we were able to do it
there, we did it to where wepulled the casualty up next to
the wrecker.
So, on the interstate, on afour-lane interstate with a
shoulder, you're only shuttingdown one lane so you keep the
wrecker.
So, on the interstate, on afour-lane interstate with a
shoulder, you're only shuttingdown one lane so you keep the
traffic moving, so you canmitigate some of the traffic
(28:32):
congestion out there whileyou're working these incidents.
Speaker 2 (28:35):
And that was one of the things that was accomplished
was we sat and measured outlanes.
So, it was a real worldscenario.
We also took that.
I don't remember if it was thesame trailer or not, I don't
remember that, but we had thisset of drives like they cut the
corner too short.
Speaker 7 (28:58):
So, yeah, it was again.
We used the same trailer forthat, but fortunately enough we
were able to back it off theedge to where they did simulate
basically simulate the big youknow the corner.
Few shots short and, uh, dropthe tandems on the left side in
the ditch, again bringing thetractor up in the air.
So we're able to utilize just apick and swing method for the
(29:19):
most part, with just using the35 ton straight stick.
Rotators have become moreprevalent in the last 10 years.
A lot of people have them, butthere's still a lot of companies
that don't have them, so we tryto utilize techniques with
bow-style trucks.
Speaker 2 (29:38):
Yeah, that's a great point.
And the rotator?
That is a great point you make,jt.
While there is a lot ofrotators out there, there's a
whole lot of people that don'thave them.
As a matter of fact, at onepoint we asked for hands up and
I don't know.
20, 25% of the class operated arotator.
Speaker 7 (29:55):
Yeah, I think it was out at 34, 34.
We have 34, 36 students.
This weekend I think there wasonly four or five of them in the
class that we had that actuallywere.
You know, we're running arotator, so that's.
I think that's one thing we tryto do is to get a feel for it
when we're doing a hands-on.
Okay, what are you guys runningon a daily basis and kind of
(30:18):
you know, so much is the programgeared towards what the people
in class are actually whatthey're running.
Speaker 2 (30:29):
Yeah, absolutely, we pride ourselves on that, we
absolutely do.
Now we're going to be out aty'all's place.
Y'all are the host of the nexttwo or three schools down the
line here in May and we're goingto have six days of education
(30:50):
out there On May 16th.
On the Friday, we're going tobe there for the one-day light
duty On Saturday, sunday, thetwo-day heavy duty, teleno
recovery At that on thoseschools we'll be at y'all's home
location where we have morethan just parking lot, right
(31:11):
where we can get something stuckin the back.
Speaker 7 (31:15):
Yeah, we've got an area out back there where we do
some training at that.
We can simulate some.
We'll make real-life scenariosback there, as opposed to just,
uh, laying a tractor trailerover in a parking lot.
So we can, you know we can wecan come up with a tail wrap
situation there or, um, you know, some some hard pulls on some
(31:37):
true, you know, true recoverywork.
So we're not just drivingsomething across asphalt or
gravel parking lot.
We're not going to get theresistance factor in it.
Speaker 2 (31:47):
Right.
Simulating real life is superimportant, no doubt about it.
On May 19th, 20th and 21st,we're going to have a three-day
training class from HazmatResponder Network.
From Hazmat Responder Network,this is HazWopper training for
cleaning up small petroleumspills, etc.
(32:09):
For more information, contactPerry Beatty at 877-356-9767.
Speaker 6 (32:20):
877-356-9767.
Speaker 7 (32:23):
You made a number again 877-3566-7.
Give me the number again8-7-7-3-5-6-9-7-6-7.
Speaker 2 (32:29):
So, JT, talk about what you got planned for us out
there.
Speaker 7 (32:33):
We'll have a tractor trailer.
It'll be loaded with 40,000,40,000, 44,000 that we'll use
for not only an upright but thetail wrap scenario.
We'll have a trash truck.
I'm working on trying to get atank trailer.
Speaker 2 (32:52):
And what about the possibility of maybe a big
machine, a track machine, wecould get stuck.
Speaker 7 (32:59):
Working on that still trying to get one of those
lined up to where we can do someheavy winching.
Working on still trying to getone of those lined up to where
we can do some heavy winching.
Working on still trying to getthose lined up.
Speaker 6 (33:09):
So that's for your two-day heavy.
What about your light duty?
Speaker 7 (33:15):
Light duty class.
We'll have multiple vehiclesfor towing, demonstration
purposes and recovery scenarioswith those as well, as we should
have a couple EV vehicles thereas well.
Speaker 6 (33:32):
I was going to ask about that.
Will there be EV scenarios withthe heavy-duty training as well
?
Speaker 7 (33:39):
Depending on we don't have.
So right now we don't have alot of, we don't have any of the
EB heavy stuff in our area.
But I know, um, the Floridashow, when we do the Florida
show, we're going to try to,we're going to incorporate some
of that into the Florida show.
But as far as if I'm going tohave any in St Louis or not, I
don't think so because we don't.
We don't have any in our area.
Speaker 6 (34:01):
You don't have the accessibility to it for the most
part.
Speaker 7 (34:04):
No, I've got a.
You know they run a lot of C&Gand L&G trucks up here, but as
far as know, ev has not made itto the area on the heavy side.
Speaker 6 (34:15):
Okay, that makes sense.
Speaker 2 (34:17):
Well, JT, I want to thank you for being a guest
today.
Any comments you want to sharewith us?
Speaker 7 (34:25):
No, just that.
We had a great class lastweekend in Alabama and I think
we're going to move on to NorthCarolina in two weeks and I
think we're going to continue onthe success that we had this
weekend.
Speaker 2 (34:37):
Yeah, actually, when the listeners are listening to
this, we'll be in North Carolinain three days because they
listen to it the day it drops.
I've got that whole week delaything happening there and then
we'll be two weeks later.
We are in New York City, up inLong Island, and then we'll see
everybody at the Florida showafter that and you'll be there
(34:57):
with us right at Florida.
I will be All right.
Well, thanks for being heretoday.
Thank you for everything you'redoing to keep the program going
, and not only going, but movingforward and upward in a great
direction.
And you know what JT we do.
Got to tell them one more thing.
I forgot one thing to talk aboutLast weekend because of the
(35:21):
equipment we had.
We did what I'm going to referto as proficiency testing to
actually prove that eachoperator that was there could
operate the equipment.
That's one thing I get askedabout when other industries look
at the training that we'reproviding for the towing
industry, in the crane industry,in order to hold one of their
(35:47):
certificates.
You have to prove you canoperate the equipment and we did
a whole scenario this weekendthat every single student
stepped up and operated itduring a concrete mixer upright.
Any thoughts about that, jt, Ithink that it's.
Speaker 7 (36:01):
You know, that's one thing that's going to set, you
know, standards going forward isthat you know it's no longer
just's.
You know that's one thingthat's going to set, you know,
standards going forward is thatyou know it's no longer just.
You know you can't just show upto a class and not be hands on.
It requires everybody to getinvolved in it and to be, you
know, to be involved, to showthat they can in fact do what
(36:24):
we're showing them to do.
Like you said, the craneindustry.
I do know that they've got aproficiency test.
They actually have a hand-onportion of it where they've got
to pick things and run themthrough an obstacle course,
basically to show that they canrun the crane, to show that they
(36:46):
can run the crane, and I thinkthat's something that's coming
for our industry.
That should become a standardeventually, in my opinion.
Speaker 2 (36:52):
Yeah, I can't agree strongly enough.
I'm sorry to kind of eke thatout at the end, but it was one
of the subjects that I wanted totalk about and it got away from
me when the conversation wasgoing earlier.
So again, I thank you, JT,Appreciate all your help,
Looking forward to seeing you ina week from now in North
(37:15):
Carolina, DJ April, the entireteam at the podcast studio here
at the office and all our hostsand students that are attending.
We can't thank everybody enoughUntil next time.
Be safe out there.
Thank you.
Welcome one and all to the American Towing Recovery
Institute podcast.
I want to remind all of youthat the American Towing
Recovery Institute aims topromote professionalism, safety
and education within the towingand recovery industry.
Remember, we provide trainingand certification programs for
towing operators.
(00:26):
We also advocate for industrystandards and best practices,
support research and develop allnew techniques, including
research and development ofelectric and alternative fuel
vehicles With extensive research, with the EV Clever app,
available now on Apple andGoogle Play stores, Foster
(00:50):
cooperation among industrystakeholders.
Please, if you need to contactus, we're always at wwwamtowri G
Now.
Here is Towing News Now.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
Well, thank you, dj.
As always, you're way too kindwith your introduction of me.
I certainly appreciate it,appreciate everything you're
doing to help the AmericanTowing Recovery Institute.
Boy, what a week.
We just got back from our firstheavy duty school of the year
and it was really a great schooland I'm going to talk about
(01:30):
that a little bit with our guesttoday.
I'll talk about it a little bitas well, but before we do that,
dj, how are you feeling today?
Speaker 1 (01:40):
I am doing excellent.
Thanks to all the prayers andwell wishes from our listeners
for the Towing News channel, ithas been excellent and I am
doing fantastic.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
Well, you know, you mentioned your health situation.
We definitely had a lot ofpeople commenting like you got a
lot of people out there thatcare about you and love you and
are worried about you.
Speaker 1 (02:05):
It was a scary that you and love you and are worried
about you.
It's very nice.
Your Toe Doctor is still around.
I am still around.
I'll be down at the Florida ToeShow and I will be also three
blocks away at the Recycler Show, so we're doing two shows the
same weekend.
Speaker 3 (02:24):
And speaking of Florida, JJ, this is April here.
Happy to be with you guys again.
Florida's going to be beautifulin April, but it is gorgeous
here.
It's 80 degrees here today inNorth Carolina.
I don't know how your weatheris, but we are doing fantastic
here.
Speaker 1 (02:40):
In Atlanta.
It is 75 degrees, so you'rewarmer than we are.
Yeah, it is 75 degrees, soyou're warmer than we are.
Speaker 3 (02:46):
Yeah, it's perfect weather.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
Yeah, it's beautiful out Nice blue skies, it's very,
very nice and, of course,florida.
I'm excited because the Tunnelto Towers on Friday at noontime
we're giving two vans away andthanks to our listeners it has
been really a very big blessingand we'll be giving two vans
away to Tunnel to Towers to helperadicate homeless veterans.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
So, DJ, I want you to talk about that because I found
there's two kind of, in myworld, different people that I
talk to two different kind ofpeople when it comes to Tunnels
to Towers.
One of them is like myself andmy wife.
We watch a fair amount of cableTV, cable news in particular,
and we know exactly who Tunnelsfor Towers is and how they came
(03:38):
from out of the ashes of 9-11.
So families of wounded warriorsand soldiers have been doing a
wonderful job with the A1 plusrating from the different people
that look into charities likethat and they advertise quite a
bit.
Then I have a group of friendsthat are a little bit younger,
(03:59):
most of them.
They don't watch any cable TV,cable news, etc.
They don't watch anything withTV, cable news etc.
They don't watch anything withcommercials for the most part,
and so they're not as aware ofthe charity.
Can you give us a quickoverview of the organization
(04:21):
maybe?
Speaker 1 (04:22):
Yeah, well, briefly, just like Wes said, time of
Towers was created after 9-11.
When most people are runningout of the building,
firefighters were running intothe building and we had lost 306
firefighters that day alone,not counting all the other
(04:42):
business people that were insidethe building alone, not
counting all the other businesspeople that were inside the
buildings.
So this started by helpingthose families, and then it grew
and it started helpingeverybody who's a first
responder.
So the police officers in NewYork who were killed by two
(05:07):
bullets from newcomers.
They were then taking care ofpaying off their mortgages on
their homes and it led tohelping first responders.
So now they help firefighters,they help police officers, and
now they're buying buildings,old hotels, and converting them
(05:28):
into centers to eradicatehomelessness of veterans.
So they started one in Houston,one in Florida, we have one in
Atlanta here where I am, andit's right next door to Six
Flags.
So when I went down there, theytook the old Western Hotel that
was abandoned for two years.
(05:48):
They have bought the propertyand on the first floor is the
PSTD Center, there's anemployment center, there's a job
occupation location, and thenon the second, third and fourth
floor of the building we'llactually house, 96 homeless vets
(06:08):
, so it's a really great programand these vans are going to
those centers.
So because of this podcast, wealready have a van set for
delivery five months from nowout in Colorado.
We have a van up in New Yorkready for when they do one up in
upstate New York.
So, little by little, this hasreally grown and thanks to the
(06:33):
listeners of the podcast, it hashelped tremendously.
Speaker 3 (06:37):
It also goes to show you how Tunnels to Towers not
only have expanded but haveevolved with their charity as to
it initially was forfirefighters because of the 9-11
horrible tragic event, and it'swent to veterans, and it's went
to homeless veterans and it'sjust, I think it just keeps
(06:59):
improving and getting better andgetting better.
Speaker 1 (07:07):
And the thing, wes, that you brought up is I had a
friend who made a comment and hesaid what's the difference
between Wounded Warriors andTunnel to Towers?
Tunnel to Towers, not oneperson in an executive position
is paid a dollar.
They're all volunteers.
Executive position he's paid adollar.
They're all volunteers.
At Wounded Warriors, the headof Wounded Warriors last year
(07:29):
made $306,000.
It's right on the end.
So this is a company.
Just like Wes said, it's thesecond best charity in the
United States and I'll be happyto tell our listeners Tunnel to
Towers is number two.
St Jude's Hospital is numberone, that's really a company to
(07:53):
be in there 6.8% of every dollar, and Tunnel to Towers is 95.5.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
Well, that's great that you're going to be there
and I can recognize you atFlorida at the Recycler Show in
Orlando in April.
It's really awesome work you dofor those folks, dj, I'm really
proud to associate myself withyou.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
Well, I want all our listeners to know on the banner
hopefully they'll see on FoxTelevision that night it'll say
the American Towing and RecoveryInstitute was a big cause of
this success, of what's going ondown there.
I thank you, wes, and I thankall of our listeners.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
That's very humbling, very humbling.
Speaker 1 (08:41):
And we thank you, dj, we really do so we got a great
show today, great interviewcoming up.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
We're going to talk about training in the interview
and we'll be talking abouttraining now.
Here's our current schedule.
Speaker 4 (08:59):
On March.
We'll be in Morganton, northCarolina, on the 21st with a
two-hour EV course at LibertyTowing.
The 22nd to the 23rd in LibertyTowing we'll have a two-day
heavy-duty rotator course OnApril.
The 4th we'll be in Long Island, new York, with the two-hour EV
(09:20):
course at All-County Towing andon the 5th and the 6th at
All-County we'll have anadvanced level light-duty course
.
On the 10th to the 12th ofApril, that is, the Florida Toll
Show at the Host Hotel HiltonOrlando.
On the 10th we have a free,with registration to the
(09:41):
convention, one-day heavy-dutyrotator course with electric and
alternative fuel.
On the 11th we'll be with DJHarrington at the Tunnels Towers
event in Orlando, florida.
On the 22nd to the 24th of Aprilwith the STA of Massachusetts.
We have three separate EVclasses Massachusetts.
(10:06):
We have three separate EVclasses One's at Wind Street,
massachusetts, at the WindStreet Service, ted's of
Fayville in Southboro,massachusetts, and Dorenzo's
Towing in Worcester,massachusetts.
For those classes you registerat statewide towingorg In May.
The 16th will be in St Louisfor one-day light duty at
Cardinal Towing.
We'll also be at CardinalTowing for the 17th and 18th for
(10:31):
a two-day heavy duty withrotator course.
The 19th through the 21stthere'll be, a hazardous
materials technician course withPerry Beattie at Cardinal
Towing in St Louis, Missouri.
Course with Perry Beattie atCardinal Towing in St Louis,
Missouri.
In June at Lake George, NewYork, from the 6th to 8th is the
Esther Tow Show.
We'll be glad to see you there.
We'll also be hosting the liveauction at the Esther Tow Show
(10:57):
on the 6th.
On June 20th we'll be inMedford, Oregon, for a light
duty course at Star 24-HourTowing.
The 21st to the 22nd we'll havea two-day heavy duty rotator
course at Star 24-Hour Towing inMedford, Oregon, and October
3rd to the 5th we'll be in theBuffalo and Niagara Falls area
of New York for a three-dayextreme advanced level heavy
(11:19):
duty course.
And that is a look at training.
Let's take a break and we'll beright back with today's guest.
Speaker 6 (11:32):
For electric and other alternative fuel vehicles.
We have developed an app thatgives you all the manufacturers
411 for when that 911 happens.
Whether you are a fire tower orpolice, we got you covered.
To find the EV Clever app, goto your Apple or Google Play
store for a 30-day free trial.
Speaker 4 (11:51):
We also offer the National Tow Operator
Certification, an independentlysourced virtual testing program
covering light duty, heavy duty,electric and alternative fuel.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
vehicle light duty heavy duty electric and
alternative fuel vehicle.
Welcome back listeners.
Of course you know you'relistening to the new Towing News
channel and this is a greatprogram.
Today, I want to remind all ofour listeners.
We're available on Spotify,itunes, pandora, stitcher,
iheartmedia, amazon or whereveryou get your podcasts, and I
(12:27):
want you to thank you.
We have over 18,000 listenerson a regular basis and it's all
because of Wes Wilburn, aprilWilburn and the great listeners
that tell their towing friendsall about our channel.
So, without further ado, wes,let me pass it back over to you
for our great guest.
We'll be back one more time.
Speaker 2 (12:54):
Thanks, dj.
Today our guest is JT Reesor.
As many people know, he's beenworking with me as an associate
instructor for over a year nowand has come a long ways and
helped take the program a longways, and I'm excited about what
you're helping us do with theprogram and your involvement.
Jt, reintroduce yourself to theguest for us and tell us a
(13:16):
little bit about yourself, ifyou would please.
Speaker 7 (13:20):
I'm JT Rees, from St Louis, missouri.
I certainly worked for J&IHauling, which is a parent
corporation to now eight towingcompanies around the country.
Most of them are located herein St Louis, with the exception
of one we have in Naples,florida, second generation tower
.
I was born and raised in theindustry, started out answering
(13:42):
phones.
I was born and raised in theindustry, started out answering
phones, worked my way up throughthe shop and up to where I run
a 75-ton rotator, and currentlythe 75-ton rotator is your
day-to-day driver.
Speaker 2 (13:54):
but you also drive a light duty to help cover police
calls, don't you?
Speaker 7 (13:58):
Correct.
Yeah, I have a 75-ton that's mydaily foot heavy if I need it.
And then I still take a lightduty roll back home with me
every night.
Speaker 2 (14:09):
And you're also serving the capacity of fleet
manager at this point, don't youTell us a little bit about the
size and the scope of that part?
Speaker 7 (14:20):
of it.
So we have 130 reasons to putit all together I kind of
oversee that and five of ourfull-time mechanics making sure
that everything stays up to dateon the service work and make
sure the guys got their trucksto run each day.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
So you definitely have your hands full on a daily
basis, and yet you make time totravel with me around the
country.
Speaker 7 (14:46):
Yep, it's kind of my escape on the weekends is to
sneak a look in this place.
It still works, but it's moreenjoyable to see the light bulbs
light up in the classroom.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
Yeah, it's amazing how the vibe in some of these
classes as that sharing ofinformation happens.
It's one of the things I loveabout doing what I do in this
industry, so I give you a lot ofcredit.
By being still involved day today, you've taken our hands on
(15:20):
to a whole different levelkeeping us current and update
and helping us focus ondifferent subjects.
We tend to focus a lot more ontelling situations and whatnot
now.
Speaker 6 (15:36):
I have a question to ask.
Maybe I ask the question, butwe come back to it a little bit
later on.
What got you interested in thetraining part of this, with with
your life being so fullpersonal life and then your job
being so full with all theresponsibilities that you have?
Speaker 7 (15:54):
um, so I started at a young age with training.
Um, like I said, I was born andraised in a business, so my old
man believed in it.
That, um, if you're gonna begood at so, if you're gonna do
something, you might as well be,you know, be the best you can
be at it.
And so he started sending me totraining classes, wes.
I went through one of Wes'sclasses when he was with rec
master at 13 years old here inSt Louis and it kind of just um,
(16:19):
you know, stuck with me ongoing through the classes that I
could get to and it's justreally, um, it's a waste of time
if you don't pass it along inthe industry, in my opinion.
Speaker 6 (16:32):
Um, the new guys and there's something to be, there's
something to be said about thattoo.
I don't know if people quitethink of it in that way, but
you're right, you got yourexperience, which might be a
little bit different than, umpeople from other parts of the
country.
Speaker 7 (16:48):
That that you could, that you could share, yeah and
that's the nice thing withtraveling and doing this stuff.
You know, whether you know,here in missouri we call it.
You know, go get me a shackleand other parts.
They say give me a d-ring, oryou know, or a or a clevis.
Speaker 6 (17:03):
I've heard clevis too , yeah.
Speaker 7 (17:05):
Clevis is another one Mm-hmm.
You know, but just thedifferent terminologies that we
use around the country but alsothe different styles you know,
trying to take that and developinto the program to where we can
(17:26):
deliver the best product outthere for our guys.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
It's very rewarding.
It really is Talking aboutdelivering the best product, the
hands-on we accomplishedtogether, you taking the lead,
me just being there and helpinga little bit.
But last weekend, well, firstof all we got to talk about the
host.
The host is what wins or losesthe game and Cody and Heather
(17:55):
Post.
Last weekend down in Alabama Iwas at their yard.
Of course we work with Griffinand Griffin are part of the
sponsorship of the class, butCody really did a great job with
things, didn't he?
Jt.
Speaker 7 (18:10):
Yeah, cody and his crew, Cody and Heather's crew
that got on the CP record had agreat job.
I mean, it was the hands-onportion of it was as realistic
as we've had in a long time asfar as scenarios that were set
up.
And so it was.
It was great, you know, and wehad, you know, griffin and
griffin was there as well and weused, you know, able to use
multiple trucks from multiplecompanies to complete scenarios,
(18:34):
multiple scenarios going on atone time to where um basically
set up like stations, to wherethey can go, you know, divide
the class up in groups, to whereeverybody gets a chance to
participate in it.
And then, with that is that youknow everybody, you know we
break them up in groups, wesplit them up like we did.
You know, each team goes totheir station, they learned how
(18:57):
to rig it there and then, beforethat scenario is completed
though, the whole class goesover and goes through that
scenario together to watch therecovery actually happen.
And so everybody, you know theymight not be hands-on in every
scenario of it, but they'regetting to see and hear that in
here, that see the demonstrationon how it comes out or how the
(19:17):
you know how it's upright toperform, and to me that takes it
to another level, to where theyactually you know they're
getting more bang for their buck, as opposed to just seeing one
or two recovery scenes done.
Speaker 2 (19:29):
Yeah, and that was in big part because the students
were willing to work hard andpull together to make that
happen.
We've got an upcoming class inNorth Carolina.
It's going to be just a coupledays from now, as this podcast
drops, but we're going toachieve the same thing there.
We already have extra towtrucks.
(19:50):
Hunters is one of our foundingmembers in Charlotte.
They're sending employees and Iasked Rick if he could send a
truck, so that's one of theextra trucks, and the folks that
are putting it all togetherDanny and whatnot with the Tow
Association are working hard toget us multiple trucks.
So we're going to try to dothat same thing multiple
(20:12):
workstation, multiple trucks.
We also did some proficiencytesting that we hardly ever get
to do and I want to talk aboutthat, but at this point, I think
, think we got to take a quickbreak, so, jt, can you hang
around till after the break yes,sir
Speaker 5 (20:29):
thank you, we'll be right back the best towing
companies offer a combination ofgreat training, efficient
operations, along with qualitysupplies.
Towing equipment direct iscommitted to help your towing
company stay ahead of thecompetition by providing the
best quality of towing equipmentand supplies.
(20:49):
Here's why you should chooseTowing Equipment Direct for all
of your towing supply needs.
We provide affordable towingsupplies and equipment.
All towing supplies andequipment are made from the
latest technology and we supplyproducts from the most respected
brands in the towing industry,offering the widest variety of
towing supplies and equipment inNew England.
If you're not using the latesttowing equipment, there's a good
(21:13):
chance your company has fallenbehind.
Savvy consumers can quicklytell which towing companies
provide the best service.
In many cases, the quality ofyour equipment and supplies can
make a huge difference.
Our representatives areknowledgeable in the towing
industry, so for the best towingequipment and supplies, count
on the team at Towing EquipmentDirect.
Browse our catalog online attowingequipmentdirectcom or give
(21:38):
us a call at 910-747-9000.
That's 910-747-9000.
We look forward to serving you.
Speaker 1 (21:47):
Welcome back listeners.
Of course you know you'relistening to the number one
podcast in the towing recoveryindustry, towing News Channel
and this is a special episode.
Jt is doing a fantastic job.
I want to remind all of ourlisteners to like and review and
share everywhere.
Always welcome people that arebrand new to the podcast.
(22:10):
I thank the new listeners ontoday.
If you're a state associationand you want some news put on
the podcast, dial the hotlineline right at the podcast center
, 706-409-5603, and Wes andApril Wilburn will do their very
best to implement it into thenext podcast.
(22:32):
So, without further ado, I'llsend it back over to April
Wilburn.
Speaker 6 (22:37):
April hey, dj, thanks for welcoming me back.
I think part of the success inpart some of the success for
Opelika is what's happening forthe class that Wes and JT are
going to do together inMorganton, and that's a lot of
the communication prior to it, alot of the planning between you
two, the host, other companiesaround.
(22:58):
That's also what's happening inMorganton, north Carolina, this
week.
There's a lot of back and forthgoing, a lot of things that
people don't see when they walkin the door and sit down at that
class.
There's a lot of legwork thatgoes into that.
What can you say about that?
Jt?
Speaker 7 (23:17):
Yeah, people, I don't think there's a lot of people
that realize that there's a hugeundertaking to put on one of
these classes.
As far as you know, finding ameeting room that's suitable for
, you know, up to 45, 50students, um, getting sponsors
for lunch, so that for the meals, so that, um, we can all be
together, because for our forlunch, because not only at the
(23:40):
class you get to learn theknowledge, knowledge from us and
we learn from the students aswell but the amount of
networking that can go on atthese classes, so like a
sponsored lunch, makes it greatto where everybody can stay
together.
They can tell their work storiesor talk about different jobs
that they've done and differentthings Down to, you've got to
(24:00):
have the casualties for us touse outside is what can we roll
over, what can we hook up to toshow towing procedures and stuff
like that.
And then still, you know, eachcompany that we go into to do
these at, they still got to beable to run their day-to-day
operations, because we all knowtowing is a 24-7 business and,
kind of like the fire department, never know what's going to
happen until the phone rings.
So it's a huge undertaking toput one of these classes on.
Speaker 6 (24:24):
Yeah, wes used to say if you want to get busy, let me
host a class here and that sameweekend it just seems like
everything just all riles upthen.
Speaker 7 (24:41):
Oh, pretty much yes.
So without the constantcommunication back and forth
weeks prior to it, it would be areal challenge.
Last weekend was great becausea lot of times we're coming into
town and we're trying to set upfor these.
But you know, cody and Heatherhad everything.
All the scenario was basicallyset up to where I didn't have to
(25:08):
go out in the field and setthem up in the morning where
class was going on.
Speaker 2 (25:10):
So that made it even better to where I actually get
to be involved in the classroomportion of it as well, and
that's so important because whatwe're trying to do is take what
we talk about in the classroomand put it to life in the field
and I have to say JT's done awonderful job of that and by
being in the classroom, get somemore opportunity to interact
(25:30):
with the students there, prepfor things that we're going to
do outside on the hands-on whena certain point's made, so that
just makes the flow of the classgo that much smoother.
Speaking of hands-on, wedefinitely have people that are
stepping up to help you at thedifferent classes.
Cody Post was just wonderfulhelping last weekend, but the
(25:56):
reality of the situation is wecould use some more help in that
regard, can't we?
Jt?
Speaker 7 (26:01):
Oh, absolutely.
I think that you know, with ustrying to push forward, be more
progressive thinking withrunning scenarios and multiple
stations at one time, I think itwould be great if we could.
You know we can add.
You know we've got some guysaround the country that have
talked about it, but if we couldadd some guys that are
interested in coming on to theteam and traveling to a couple
(26:24):
of schools with us a year anddoing part of the hands-on
portion with us, it'll help takeour program to the next level.
If any of you guys out therethat are listening or interested
reach out, we'd definitely beinterested in talking to some
guys if they're interested indoing some training with us
absolutely, um, starting one ofthe starting points with that is
(26:48):
have a resume put together.
Speaker 2 (26:51):
Uh, in this day and age is easy enough to get that
done.
But that is one of the startingpoints.
And it's guys, gals, um, we'reopen-minded and open to working
with whoever has a passion andan interest in this industry.
So, as far as the hands-on one,you know.
(27:14):
Just another thing I want totalk about real quick.
We're still doing some of thebig recoveries, but we're also
doing what we feel are morecommon jobs, uh, that happen in
the day-to-day.
Tell them about the trailerthat we did, the, the tractor
trailer in the ditch, loaded,leaning, how you know.
(27:36):
One of the things about aboutthat job was the drives on the
upper side were up in the air.
So it was a real deal.
Tell us.
Speaker 7 (27:50):
You know, we simulated a tractor trailer that
ran off the road.
We truly had a ditch that itwas in, so it was leaning the
tandem to the tractor on theright step.
So with that scenario we wereable to utilize a tail wrap in
the trailer and teach that,which is a common practice
(28:10):
around the country to do thatthe way we were able to do it
there, we did it to where wepulled the casualty up next to
the wrecker.
So, on the interstate, on afour-lane interstate with a
shoulder, you're only shuttingdown one lane so you keep the
wrecker.
So, on the interstate, on afour-lane interstate with a
shoulder, you're only shuttingdown one lane so you keep the
traffic moving, so you canmitigate some of the traffic
(28:32):
congestion out there whileyou're working these incidents.
Speaker 2 (28:35):
And that was one of the things that was accomplished
was we sat and measured outlanes.
So, it was a real worldscenario.
We also took that.
I don't remember if it was thesame trailer or not, I don't
remember that, but we had thisset of drives like they cut the
corner too short.
Speaker 7 (28:58):
So, yeah, it was again.
We used the same trailer forthat, but fortunately enough we
were able to back it off theedge to where they did simulate
basically simulate the big youknow the corner.
Few shots short and, uh, dropthe tandems on the left side in
the ditch, again bringing thetractor up in the air.
So we're able to utilize just apick and swing method for the
(29:19):
most part, with just using the35 ton straight stick.
Rotators have become moreprevalent in the last 10 years.
A lot of people have them, butthere's still a lot of companies
that don't have them, so we tryto utilize techniques with
bow-style trucks.
Speaker 2 (29:38):
Yeah, that's a great point.
And the rotator?
That is a great point you make,jt.
While there is a lot ofrotators out there, there's a
whole lot of people that don'thave them.
As a matter of fact, at onepoint we asked for hands up and
I don't know.
20, 25% of the class operated arotator.
Speaker 7 (29:55):
Yeah, I think it was out at 34, 34.
We have 34, 36 students.
This weekend I think there wasonly four or five of them in the
class that we had that actuallywere.
You know, we're running arotator, so that's.
I think that's one thing we tryto do is to get a feel for it
when we're doing a hands-on.
Okay, what are you guys runningon a daily basis and kind of
(30:18):
you know, so much is the programgeared towards what the people
in class are actually whatthey're running.
Speaker 2 (30:29):
Yeah, absolutely, we pride ourselves on that, we
absolutely do.
Now we're going to be out aty'all's place.
Y'all are the host of the nexttwo or three schools down the
line here in May and we're goingto have six days of education
(30:50):
out there On May 16th.
On the Friday, we're going tobe there for the one-day light
duty On Saturday, sunday, thetwo-day heavy duty, teleno
recovery At that on thoseschools we'll be at y'all's home
location where we have morethan just parking lot, right
(31:11):
where we can get something stuckin the back.
Speaker 7 (31:15):
Yeah, we've got an area out back there where we do
some training at that.
We can simulate some.
We'll make real-life scenariosback there, as opposed to just,
uh, laying a tractor trailerover in a parking lot.
So we can, you know we can wecan come up with a tail wrap
situation there or, um, you know, some some hard pulls on some
(31:37):
true, you know, true recoverywork.
So we're not just drivingsomething across asphalt or
gravel parking lot.
We're not going to get theresistance factor in it.
Speaker 2 (31:47):
Right.
Simulating real life is superimportant, no doubt about it.
On May 19th, 20th and 21st,we're going to have a three-day
training class from HazmatResponder Network.
From Hazmat Responder Network,this is HazWopper training for
cleaning up small petroleumspills, etc.
(32:09):
For more information, contactPerry Beatty at 877-356-9767.
Speaker 6 (32:20):
877-356-9767.
Speaker 7 (32:23):
You made a number again 877-3566-7.
Give me the number again8-7-7-3-5-6-9-7-6-7.
Speaker 2 (32:29):
So, JT, talk about what you got planned for us out
there.
Speaker 7 (32:33):
We'll have a tractor trailer.
It'll be loaded with 40,000,40,000, 44,000 that we'll use
for not only an upright but thetail wrap scenario.
We'll have a trash truck.
I'm working on trying to get atank trailer.
Speaker 2 (32:52):
And what about the possibility of maybe a big
machine, a track machine, wecould get stuck.
Speaker 7 (32:59):
Working on that still trying to get one of those
lined up to where we can do someheavy winching.
Working on still trying to getone of those lined up to where
we can do some heavy winching.
Working on still trying to getthose lined up.
Speaker 6 (33:09):
So that's for your two-day heavy.
What about your light duty?
Speaker 7 (33:15):
Light duty class.
We'll have multiple vehiclesfor towing, demonstration
purposes and recovery scenarioswith those as well, as we should
have a couple EV vehicles thereas well.
Speaker 6 (33:32):
I was going to ask about that.
Will there be EV scenarios withthe heavy-duty training as well
?
Speaker 7 (33:39):
Depending on we don't have.
So right now we don't have alot of, we don't have any of the
EB heavy stuff in our area.
But I know, um, the Floridashow, when we do the Florida
show, we're going to try to,we're going to incorporate some
of that into the Florida show.
But as far as if I'm going tohave any in St Louis or not, I
don't think so because we don't.
We don't have any in our area.
Speaker 6 (34:01):
You don't have the accessibility to it for the most
part.
Speaker 7 (34:04):
No, I've got a.
You know they run a lot of C&Gand L&G trucks up here, but as
far as know, ev has not made itto the area on the heavy side.
Speaker 6 (34:15):
Okay, that makes sense.
Speaker 2 (34:17):
Well, JT, I want to thank you for being a guest
today.
Any comments you want to sharewith us?
Speaker 7 (34:25):
No, just that.
We had a great class lastweekend in Alabama and I think
we're going to move on to NorthCarolina in two weeks and I
think we're going to continue onthe success that we had this
weekend.
Speaker 2 (34:37):
Yeah, actually, when the listeners are listening to
this, we'll be in North Carolinain three days because they
listen to it the day it drops.
I've got that whole week delaything happening there and then
we'll be two weeks later.
We are in New York City, up inLong Island, and then we'll see
everybody at the Florida showafter that and you'll be there
(34:57):
with us right at Florida.
I will be All right.
Well, thanks for being heretoday.
Thank you for everything you'redoing to keep the program going
, and not only going, but movingforward and upward in a great
direction.
And you know what JT we do.
Got to tell them one more thing.
I forgot one thing to talk aboutLast weekend because of the
(35:21):
equipment we had.
We did what I'm going to referto as proficiency testing to
actually prove that eachoperator that was there could
operate the equipment.
That's one thing I get askedabout when other industries look
at the training that we'reproviding for the towing
industry, in the crane industry,in order to hold one of their
(35:47):
certificates.
You have to prove you canoperate the equipment and we did
a whole scenario this weekendthat every single student
stepped up and operated itduring a concrete mixer upright.
Any thoughts about that, jt, Ithink that it's.
Speaker 7 (36:01):
You know, that's one thing that's going to set, you
know, standards going forward isthat you know it's no longer
just's.
You know that's one thingthat's going to set, you know,
standards going forward is thatyou know it's no longer just.
You know you can't just show upto a class and not be hands on.
It requires everybody to getinvolved in it and to be, you
know, to be involved, to showthat they can in fact do what
(36:24):
we're showing them to do.
Like you said, the craneindustry.
I do know that they've got aproficiency test.
They actually have a hand-onportion of it where they've got
to pick things and run themthrough an obstacle course,
basically to show that they canrun the crane, to show that they
(36:46):
can run the crane, and I thinkthat's something that's coming
for our industry.
That should become a standardeventually, in my opinion.
Speaker 2 (36:52):
Yeah, I can't agree strongly enough.
I'm sorry to kind of eke thatout at the end, but it was one
of the subjects that I wanted totalk about and it got away from
me when the conversation wasgoing earlier.
So again, I thank you, JT,Appreciate all your help,
Looking forward to seeing you ina week from now in North
(37:15):
Carolina, DJ April, the entireteam at the podcast studio here
at the office and all our hostsand students that are attending.
We can't thank everybody enoughUntil next time.
Be safe out there.
Thank you.
Popular Podcasts
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com