August 28, 2025 • 33 mins
Michael Lard brings a refreshing perspective to the towing industry as he shares his journey from growing up in a towing family to owning Tom's 24-Hour Towing in Elkhart, Indiana. This third-generation tower has transformed his operation into a 16-truck fleet equipped with specialized machinery for handling complex recoveries.
What truly stands out in our conversation is Michael's innovative approach to rigging techniques. Working collaboratively with industry experts, he's developed custom configurations using Omega links and container links that significantly improve safety margins while increasing efficiency. These creative solutions demonstrate how thoughtful engineering can transform standard recovery practices into something extraordinary.
Michael challenges one of the industry's most entrenched mindsets: "dad and grandpa did it this way." While respecting tradition, he makes a compelling case that continuous learning is essential as vehicle technology rapidly evolves. With modern vehicles featuring composite materials, aluminum components, and sophisticated electronics, yesterday's methods alone aren't enough for today's challenges. As Michael wisely puts it, "Old skills are good skills. They just should not be your only skills."
Perhaps most remarkable is Michael's commitment to community collaboration. Rather than viewing nearby companies solely as competitors, he regularly works with towers up to 50 miles away, sharing specialized equipment and expertise. This collaborative spirit extends to training events, where local companies contribute resources to support educational opportunities throughout the region. It's a powerful reminder that when towing professionals work together, everyone benefits.
Looking for training opportunities? Join us for the Light and Medium Duty class hosted by Michael in Elkhart on September 6-7, or check out our full schedule of specialized classes happening nationwide. Whether you're focused on electric vehicles, heavy recovery, or rotator operations, we have the training you need to excel in today's demanding environment. Call 910-747-9000 or visit amtowri.org to secure your spot and take your skills to the next level.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:05):
you're on the train to success with April and Wes
Wilburn.
I'm DJ Harrington, the co-host,better known as the Toe Doctor.
We're all on our way to thetown of proper towing and
recovery, along with ourproducer, chuck Camp, in the
studio.
Don't go to the town of woulda,coulda, shoulda.
You coulda had done this.
(00:28):
You should have done that.
Listen every week tothought-provoking wisdom from
great guests iTunes, pandora,stitcher, iheartmedia or the
number one podcast, or maybeAmazon or wherever you get your
(00:50):
podcasts.
Turn in on Wednesday and beturned on all week long.
If you are a state associationand want your announcements or
upcoming state association newsannouncements or upcoming state
association news, or maybe aco-show that's coming up, let us
(01:18):
know.
Our podcast studio phone numberis 706-409-5603.
I'm proud to be part of a greatteam at the American Dorm
Recovery Institute.
Let's make 2025 our best yearever.
I will turn it to April Loomis.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
DJ, thank you so much for the intro.
I would say you're too nice,but I think it's appropriate.
We're pretty nice people.
Welcome one and all to TonyNews Now and the Tony News
Channel.
We have some great stuff totalk about and we have a great
interview coming up.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
We're getting ready for a busy season so I'm gearing
up for that.
Ed Wesley's last day here as anemployee.
He's going on to bigger andbetter things.
Still going to help his dad alittle bit, as needed.
But that was a tough dayemotionally yesterday.
Still a tough day emotionallytoday, but glad he's moving
forward.
He's been a huge help here andI'm excited for what his future
(02:03):
holds.
Help here and and um, I'mexcited for what his future
holds.
So besides that, I'm justfocusing on uh.
We're getting some activity forsome of these classes going on.
Got a little activity going onin consolidation corner.
We got a great interview goingon today.
We're also we're talking to auh trucking magazine about maybe
trying to interact with thetowing industry, with them.
It's funny, our podcast a weekago was on the same subject and
(02:26):
I really didn't see this thingcoming.
But out of left field what myson wesley one of the last
things he did was found found away to help us interact with
this trucking magazine in a wayto benefit us for selling some
truck books that we have, in away that's going to benefit them
for gaining a little bit moreinformation about the towing
industry and again it kind ofcame out of that field that last
(02:49):
week we interviewed cliff andjoyce, partially out of kentucky
, that are on a personal missionthemselves.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
If you didn't hear that podcast, you really should
listen to it we'll put a linkdown for it, um, when we push
this out and just just.
Let's go back to Wesley justone more time.
Wesley and Kim are moving toTennessee and we're excited to
see them go, but it's somethingthat they've wanted to do and
they're looking forward to itand they're excited.
Wesley is still working for us.
(03:17):
It's gonna be on a part-timebasis.
He has been very instrumentalat how, in the last few years,
and probably especially sincecovid I would think he's worked
for us before that too butgetting helping us with the um,
the marketing and the facebook,and he's learned how to do.
Um, he's been very instrumentalin these podcasts as far as,
(03:38):
like, doing the back part ofthis and sending this to chuck,
uh and and then chuck, you know,finishes it up and makes it, um
, the magic happen.
But if you've watched ourcommercials that we've done, if
you've seen any of thepowerpoints that we've done,
what wesley has been, if not allof it- yes, he certainly has
yes, and kim as well.
(04:00):
Kim is going to be working forus part-time.
Kim does more for us than Ithink.
I even know that she does.
There's just so many littlethings that she does and so many
little pieces that she putstogether and then I have the
finished product when it's done.
I don't always see all theintricate things that she does,
(04:20):
but she's definitely going to bemissed, as well as wesley,
physically not having them hereand also with them just going
part-time as far as like what,what we're doing.
So we love you, wesley and cam.
We wish the best of luck to youin your, in your, new life, but
we still got you part-time.
So, west, I'm gonna, I'm gonnaswitch it back over to you.
Speaker 1 (04:42):
Yeah, by you.
We've got one consolidationcorner to talk about.
This one hits close to where Igrew up as well.
Owls Towing has beenconsolidated into the Valor
Fleet Service Partners.
Henry's Record Roadrunner inNorthern Virginia had already
consolidated together and nowthey've got OwLS that's joined
(05:05):
together.
Based in Falls Church, owlsTowing has been a provider in
North Virginia for over 30 years, Headquartered in Leesburg.
Fleet Services is a leadingtowing hauling provider.
Mid-atlantic Valor Servicesoffers 24-7 heavy duty to light
duty towing, parking enforcement, truck repair, etc.
(05:26):
It's a significant bonus thatthese organizations are working
together.
I'm fired up to be teaming upwith Valerie.
These guys know business andcare about doing things right,
just like we always have.
I've known Fred and Dave for along time.
There's a lot of mutual respectthere, so we wish them the best
(05:46):
going forward that was a directquote from now yes, yes, it was
.
We wish them the best as theymove forward and um any
consolidators out there.
You got information.
Make sure you get us that pressrelease so we can read it on
air.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
So and I have a full disclosure on the henry trucker.
That's my origin story, so tospeak.
That's where I came from.
Speaker 1 (06:10):
Well, this is all great news.
I hope all our listeners arelistening, so please hang tight
and we'll be right back.
Speaker 3 (06:22):
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Speaker 1 (07:29):
Welcome back listeners.
Of course you know you'relistening to the number one
podcast in the towing recoveryindustry, the American Towing
Recovery Institute podcast onthe brand new Towing News
Channel.
Now I want to thank all of you.
We have 20,000 listeners andgrowing mightily.
(07:49):
This is fantastic.
Wes and April Wilburn have donea phenomenal job and the team
there have done fantastic.
I want to tell all of youplease continue listening.
We're available on Spotify,itunesunes, pandora, stitcher,
iheart media, amazon or whereveryou get your podcast.
(08:13):
So, without further ado, we gota great one today.
I'll pass it on over to apriland wes wilbur michael ward, how
are you doing today?
Speaker 2 (08:24):
I'd like to introduce yourself to us or to everybody
else.
You're a good friend to us, butI want everybody else to get to
know you.
Speaker 4 (08:33):
Yeah, thanks for having me on Mike Ward from
Tom's 24-Hour Towing Inc.
In Elkhart, indiana.
For those that don't know, I'vebeen around the industry my
whole life.
For those that don't know, I'vebeen around the industry my
whole life and I bought out myboss that I worked for for about
six years, four years ago,april.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
Michael, how did you get started in the industry?
What brought you into it?
What brought you into it?
Speaker 4 (08:58):
I grew up into it.
My grandfather was in southernMichigan in an outcard himself,
and my dad worked for Mike, whoI bought out here at Tom's from
the late 80s to about 98.
And my uncle, steve, owned hisown company for 37 years Steve's
Auto in LaGrange, indiana about31 of these.
Speaker 1 (09:22):
So you're third generation then.
Speaker 4 (09:25):
Yes, sir.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
All right.
And you said for four yearsyou've owed Thomas 24.
Speaker 1 (09:33):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
And you bought that.
You worked for Tom Stoncilovicfor six years before that, Mike.
Speaker 4 (09:39):
Stoncilovic, yeah, I'm sorry.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
I'm sorry, mike, yes, and I know he's a great fella
too.
Uh, he really is yes how manytrucks do you have in your fleet
now?
Speaker 4 (09:53):
uh, we're up to 16 trucks um, plus other pieces of
equipment, from skid loaders totelehandlers to excavator now um
, we pretty much got abouteverything yeah, I know,
whatever I talk to you, you'reeither you're either on a job or
you just got back from one.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
You guys, it's pretty busy, and I think you do some
specialty work too, don't you?
Speaker 4 (10:13):
yes, ma'am.
Speaker 2 (10:15):
I think you called me your custom craft clean the
other day.
When you call me to ordersomething, I'm gonna I'm not
going to use that title too muchbut, um, because you like that
specialty stuff, I know that youdo specialty jobs.
Give us an example of somethingthat you had to do where you
had to apply some kind ofspecial technique to it.
Speaker 4 (10:36):
I mean we do a lot of stuff, just like everybody else
does.
I think the specialty side ofit comes from putting my head
together with Wes on some chainassemblies and stuff that we've
come up with.
In my opinion, that makesthings safer and more economical
for ourselves and the customerbecause, as we all know, time is
(10:57):
money.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
And if you can get safety, economical and
convenience at the same time,that's the golden ticket, isn't
it?
Yes, Michael, I know that youdo a lot of specialty work.
Give me a good example of howyou've used some of this rigging
and done a reconfiguration andapplied it to one of your jobs.
Speaker 4 (11:18):
About a year or two ago me and Wes put our heads
together for a better riggingpiece, in my opinion, of taking
that Omega link on chain with aself-locking hook, and we use
those for, of course, recoveriesand stuff.
But it also works well onprecast structures.
(11:40):
You can use a container linkand to put that through the
omega link and then you can makea bridle to use that and in my
opinion it's safer because itdoes not wedge itself in there
to reduce any working load limit, but it also is.
You can use half inch chains orthree-quarters seven inch rim
(12:02):
swings, so your capacity is wayhigher.
So therefore takes a safetyfactor way higher than what the
rigging is rated for that youbuy to actually lift pretty cast
yeah, the idea of putting themajor.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
We kind of brainstorm together a while back.
Great idea.
I really loved how you took itto the next level with a precast
stuff that you were picking andusing that container link in a
very creative manner, writingthat Omega link and another part
of that whole thing was thecontainer link and the Omega
(12:38):
link were in a slightly funnyposition but you had all your
grade 100 happens so perfectlystraight, exactly how it's
supposed to use.
So you other stuff that was in aslightly funny position has a
much greater working load limit.
So you know, putting a littlesallow on it was it wasn't a big
deal.
I thought it was very ingeniousway you put that together and I
(13:01):
was very thankful you sent methe pictures on.
Speaker 4 (13:05):
Yeah, I totally agree .
And what we're doing with it,in my opinion, the way they're
designed to be in a containerand you're lifting basically 90
degrees to start with, I thinkit's even less stress than even
doing that.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
Yeah, I agree with that.
We've got to take a quick break.
But after the break let's comeback.
I want you to talk a little bitabout trading at your company,
Okay, Thanks to talk a littlebit about trading at your
company.
Speaker 3 (13:37):
Okay, traa, the Injured Drivers Fund and
legislation that makes all of ussafer are what makes this
industry special.
Ina Towing supports all of thisand more.
When there is a need, gayRochester is always one of the
first to come forward and askhow can I help?
The American Towing andRecovery Institute is honored to
have the support of the INATowing Network.
(13:58):
Together we all make adifference.
Ina Towing Network simplifiedsolutions, superior service.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
For electric and other alternative fuel vehicles.
We have developed an app thatgives you all the manufacturers
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Whether you are a fire tow orpolice, we got you covered.
To find the EV Clever app, goto your Apple or Google Play
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We also offer the National TowOperator Certification, an
(14:30):
independently sourced virtualtesting program covering light
duty, heavy duty, electric andalternative fuel vehicle.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
Welcome back listeners.
This is the brand new TowingNews Channel with the American
Towing Recovery Institute, wesand April Wilburn, dj Harrington
as the co-host.
Really, I just introduced thepeople, but we're listening from
Michael Lark, who is fromElkhart, indiana, up and comes
(15:00):
24-hour towing and I want toremind all our listeners,
elkhart, indiana, is really theRV capital of the world.
Indiana is really the RVcapital of the world and they
are certified operators toungeck a lot of this equipment.
So you know, michael's in agreat place.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
Welcome back, Michael .
I know we're going to go intotraining and we're doing an
upcoming event at your placeSeptember 6th and 7th for a
light and medium beauty classand we're really looking forward
to being there.
And you've hosted training withus before.
Speaker 4 (15:33):
Yes, ma'am.
Speaker 2 (15:34):
And I know that Wes is going to ask you some
questions about training.
But, number one, thank you forhaving us back, and also want to
thank your family for puttingup with us too, because we're a
handful and I know that turnsour lives upside down, too, when
we take your weekend away fromthat.
It turns our lives upside downtoo, when we take your weekend
away from that.
So thank your family.
Speaker 4 (15:55):
And if you want to give a shout out to your wife
and your kids, now's the time todo it.
Yeah, they are my biggest fans.
It's not always easy and it'snot always the most popular
thing, but they are always therefor me and anybody in this
industry understands what I'msaying.
Speaker 2 (16:08):
Yeah, and it's a very critical part of success too,
is that good family structureand that good connectivity too,
and I think that can't be saidenough.
So thanks, thanks, thanks forputting up with us.
We appreciate it.
Now, michael, you're supposedto give a shout out and at least
say love you guys, or something, okay, All right.
Speaker 4 (16:29):
Thank you, amber and my beautiful three children.
I wouldn't be able to do this,or have the willpower, without
them cheering me on every day.
Speaker 1 (16:37):
So talk a little bit about training as a record
operator how has it affected youand also as a business owner.
Then we'll get into talking alittle bit about the class going
on.
But talk a little bit about howyour belief on training and how
it's affected your career.
Speaker 4 (16:55):
My opinion on it is as you go to anything outside
the towing industry whether it'sa lawyer, a doctor, somebody
that works on your furnace oryour car nobody just gets up
every day or one day and says,I'm going to do this.
They have to get that training,they have to perfect those
skills, whether it's fromsomebody else teaching them, a
(17:16):
family member or going to anactual institution, whatever it
may be.
I don't like the attitude orthe mindset of well, dad and
grandpa did it this way and it'salways worked.
That's what we need to do.
I totally disagree.
I mean, I respect myforefathers, I respect the
people that came up before us,but there is always a better way
(17:39):
and there's a safer way and amore economical way, and we're
never gonna get there unless youdo push the training and
everyone works together toinstill that inside of
everybody's their mindset whilewe're talking about classes,
mean Jeff, our part of theCardinal towing legacy group.
Speaker 1 (17:59):
We're going to do a seminar on Thursday afternoon on
the subject of consolidation.
We're going to talk a littlebit about past, present, present
and future of consolidation andwhat's going on with it and how
it's affecting the towingindustry.
So we're looking forward tothat.
Jeff's a very powerfulindividual that speaks very
(18:22):
wisely.
He's a very just short timeI've been around him, I've got a
lot of respect for him, how hehandles things, how he looks at
things.
I'm excited about the seminarwe'll be doing there in
Chattanooga on Thursday.
It's part of their seminarpackage program and of course
we've got the two-day classThursday and Friday.
We're going to be in Wichita,kansas, on September the 4th.
(18:46):
That's a Thursday evening.
That's a sponsored dinner andan evening electric and
alternative fuel vehicle class.
That Saturday and Sunday that'sSeptember the 6th and 7th we're
doing one of the only let meback up the only light medium
class in the middle of thecountry will be at Elkhart,
indiana, for a two-day class.
Tom's telling us there'shosting, though is do a great
(19:06):
job.
Following weekend, october 3rdthrough the 5th, niagara falls
slash buffalo, new york, athree-day extreme heavy duty
class.
Myself and jt will be teachinga class and we're supposed to
have a surprise instructor goingto stop by and help teach the
class.
The following week will be thechattanooga will be it october
19th and 10th will be the chatin chattanooga today, heavy duty
(19:28):
that is a class you have toregister for and pay for Weekend
.
After that, october 16th, onthe Friday, we'll be in Kansas
City for a one-day light duty.
On the Saturday, sunday, that'sthe 17th and 18th of October
we'll be in Kansas City with aheavy-duty tow and recovery
class, lake Station.
The following weekend, october25th to 26th, two-day heavy duty
(19:52):
rotator class.
Then we'll be down inEnterprise, alabama.
November 7th and Fridays, aone-day light duty on a.
Saturday, sunday that's the 8thand the 9th.
It's a two-day heavy duty towand recovery class.
We'll be in Lake Charles LakeCharles, louisiana, connie's
favorite city, will be downthere in the 15th, or one day
(20:14):
late duty.
It's November the 15th this isworking in conjunction with the
tone of every professionalLouisiana.
And on the the 16th will be inLake Charles, again with a
one-day heavy duty session.
Two-day class on Saturday alight duty.
On Sunday, a heavy duty,one-day class.
(20:36):
For two days total.
You can attend one or the other, you don't have to attend both.
Naval, florida, december the6th and the 7th.
Two-day light and medium duty,the only other light and medium
duty we're doing anywhere in thecountry at this point.
First weekend of December,december 6th and the 7th, in
Naples, florida, and rest inhope, post in class.
(20:58):
Give me a call.
We've got some more dates wecan put on.
We've got crew of instructorsthat are anxious to get out
there and share knowledge withy'all.
Speaker 2 (21:07):
Also another thing, and then Wes is going to talk
more about training.
The other thing with that isdoing what somebody else done in
the past.
They were in the past, theywere the cutting edge, they were
the risk takers, they're theones who honed their skills,
while we would not want to dothe same thing, to carry that
legacy on.
I think I don't know if thatdoes it justice to that history
(21:28):
and that legacy.
So that's, I think I don't knowif that does it justice to that
history and that legacy, butthat's, I think, another reason
why training is essential.
Number one, it's for safety,but number two, it's carrying on
the value and skills that youbring to the table whenever
you're out there on the side ofthe road.
Speaker 4 (21:43):
I 100% agree.
Speaker 1 (21:46):
Old skills are good skills.
They just should not be youronly skills, yep, one of the
reasons training is so important, whether it's technician or tow
and recovery.
Modern vehicles are changing,have changed and are continued
to change all the time, andunderstanding the construction,
(22:13):
how the vehicles change as faras construction goes, and things
like that are becoming more andmore important.
We all know that even a littlemark or a little blemish on a
vehicle can cause a bunch ofmoney and a lot of heartache at
the same time.
Speaker 4 (22:28):
Very true, and the equipment that we're running
every day.
I mean it was easier to scratchan old home's record that was
made out of steel, that youprobably wouldn't be able to
find, but nowadays we've gotcomposite bodies, we've got
aluminum bodies, plastic bodiesyou know what I mean and trucks
that cost more than homes thatwe'll ever live in.
You know there's more at stakethan what there used to be.
(22:48):
That's right, and it's alsodifferent stake than what there
used to be.
Speaker 1 (22:52):
That's right, and it's also different attitudes
about stuff like that as well.
Speaker 4 (22:57):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (23:00):
You know, a big part of it is the vehicles that we're
dealing with.
Towing are so much different.
I saw something on social mediathe other night where they
towed a truck.
The towing company towed atruck just a few miles but they
left the drive cap in it and thetruck they were towing caught
fire, was fully ablaze.
That's one of the maindifferences of modern trucks and
(23:22):
things you need to learn aboutto prevent situations like that.
So you guys are hosting ourLight and Medium duty class.
Talk a little bit about that,michael, if you would.
Why do you go through thehassle of hosting a class?
Let's start with that, michaelNutterfield.
Speaker 4 (23:44):
Well, it's like anything if somebody doesn't
stand up and make an effort todo it, who's going to do it and
how is it ever going to happen?
Well, no matter what it is Imean, you could ask my local
competitors.
I'm not shy from being at thefront of the line and speaking
my mind and pushing for thingsto be better.
(24:04):
I've never been much of afollower.
Speaker 2 (24:08):
Even if you're not a follower, you definitely lead by
example because you do step upfor these trainings and you do
host them, and you do put upwith us when you're not a
follower.
You definitely lead by examplebecause you do step up for these
trainings and you do host themand you do put up with us when
you're doing it.
So follow a leader, whicheverone you may want to do.
And sometimes it's good tofollow, as long as you can find
a good leader, and you are agood leader.
Speaker 4 (24:25):
Yeah, and that's what .
I don't mean any disrespect byit or anything, mean any
disrespect by it or anything.
But somebody's got to push forthis and even the old school
guys to perfect their skills andthese young guys that are
wanting to get involved withthis, to get them to where they
are, from where they are towhere they need to be.
I mean you have to put forththe effort, you have to give up
(24:48):
those weekends, you have to giveup that time and make sure that
you're making it happen forthem.
Speaker 1 (24:54):
And this is a team effort.
You work with other companiesas well, don't you?
Speaker 4 (24:58):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (24:59):
Do you want to elaborate on that, Michael?
Speaker 4 (25:02):
We actually have several companies around the
area.
We go as far as 40, 50 milesaway to help other towing
companies, whether it be fortransport stuff or heavy
recovery, airbags or dollies.
I mean, we help anybody we canor anybody that calls upon us,
as long as they're going to behonest and do things the right
(25:25):
way.
That's just what I believe ishelping people.
But if it goes the other way,then you know.
You know how that goes.
But yeah, we have a strongrelationship with a lot of
people and it shows you knowwhen things are needed they call
upon us to go help because theyknow the kind of people we are
and I am and what my companystands for.
Speaker 1 (25:48):
In reference to the training, you did work with
other towing companies in thataspect as well.
Speaker 4 (25:54):
Yes, yeah, anytime we put a training class on,
there's always local companiesthat you know for.
As soon as they hear it, Ialways get a phone call do you
want to sponsor?
You know food or drinks?
Do you need a wrecker there?
Do you need his help?
I mean, there's always phonecalls, especially from Truestone
and Mark at Newcomer Service inNapanee, indiana.
(26:17):
He's always willing to help,even if his guys are not even
attending the class, they'realways willing to help and lend
a hand anytime they can.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
Yeah, that's one of the great things about that area
is everybody works there realwell and helps share the duties
and truly they've been wonderfulover the years sponsoring meals
, equipment, sending students.
You know you can't do itwithout the students, so we
definitely appreciate that.
Speaker 2 (26:43):
Yeah, and I want to say one thing about Trish's
coming.
Travis, seeing it on theschedule, called me to confirm
that we were doing the class andthis next phone call is going
to be to you to see if youneeded anything from him that I
was there directly at all.
Whatever, and their officebunch helping you sponsor some
of the meals and some of thefood that's there too.
So big shout out to truth tellme.
Speaker 1 (27:05):
Yes, so we're going to be at the Oslo fire
department.
Is that correct?
Yes, we'll be using the Oslofire department.
Speaker 4 (27:11):
Is that correct?
Yes, we'll be using the Oslofires training room at the fire
station for the book part ofthings and then we'll be at our
location for the hands-on partof it and sponsor lunch both
days correct yes, sir yeah, thehospitality that part of the
(27:33):
world is always extraordinarywell, it can't go wrong in the
midwest, and midwest knows howto treat you now, where can they
call to get you know?
Speaker 1 (27:43):
can you take some more people in or no?
Are you sold out?
Speaker 2 (27:47):
we're not sold out yet.
We still do have some seats.
You can call here, 910-747-9000, or you can go on the website.
Amtowriorg, You're the one tosign up.
I'll handle you directly.
If you call me, or if you justwant to go on the website, you
can do it that way too.
Speaker 1 (28:05):
Wes, I'll tell you one thing I like about Michael
Lord is that he lives in Indiana, he belongs to his association,
he belongs to TRAA and hesupports the touring museum.
So there's three reasons why Ilike the guy.
Speaker 2 (28:22):
Definitely shows the level of investment, doesn't it
DJ?
Speaker 1 (28:25):
Oh yeah yeah.
And he believes in you guys andyou're, I believe, one of the
best training companies outthere.
Speaker 2 (28:32):
So you know that plays on both supporters little
supporter and we believe thatabout him as well.
Speaker 1 (28:38):
Dj yeah he's a great guy and that's coming from the
old toe back there, michael.
One guy yesterday, when we weredoing a podcast for Wes, all
the guys kept saying are you theguy with the white jacket who
walks around as a doctor?
Speaker 2 (29:00):
Yeah, I am, that's our DJ, DJ is the.
What is it called again?
Speaker 1 (29:07):
Well, they call me the co-doctor Okay, but in
recycling business.
They call me the cardie Doctor.
Okay, but in recycling businessthey call me the Cardiologist.
Speaker 2 (29:16):
Hold on a second Hold on.
You have another name In the.
Speaker 3 (29:19):
Toe Podcast world oh no, don't even say that now.
Speaker 2 (29:25):
You're the Toe and Godfather, because they all go
to you, yep, you are theGodfather of the Tome Podcast.
Speaker 1 (29:33):
Although there's only one or two left anymore.
I did hear we should giverespect to the Tome Business
Podcast.
I feel like they've covered allthe subjects that they can
cover.
Speaker 2 (29:47):
They quit broadcasting, so give them much
respect it's a hard gig to pulloff as well as, so I'm going to
shoot our own horn here just forone second we're closing in our
200 podcast.
we're going to it for maybe two.
That's, I think, substantial.
What's in DJ, then, these lastfew months have let me come
(30:08):
along with them and also be apart of it, so I also appreciate
that, and we have 20,000 loyallisteners out there who are
listening to us, so to me that'ssubstantial.
You guys did most of it.
I can't really tell, and so Ican just take some credit too.
I'm going to take the creditfor it, but you guys mostly did
it.
You DJ Harrington and RussellWilborn are the 20,000 people
(30:33):
that are listening to this thing.
That's substantial.
Speaker 1 (30:36):
Yeah, but April, I have to tell you in the podcast
world, if you did not have KimWesley and all those teen people
at the American Zoning RecoveryInstitute that does the social
media blast.
People always want to know howdid you guys do it?
It's because you do so muchsocial media and I've never in
(30:58):
my life here I'm at a toe showin Chattanooga and, michael, I
have to tell you this Someperson I'm talking to a vendor
and a person comes over and saysI know that voice and I said
what she says.
I know that voice and I saidwhat she said.
I know that voice.
You're the co-host with WesWilburn and I'm like what are
(31:21):
you talking about, lady?
I got my white jacket on, I gotmy doctor outfit on and they
knew me by my voice Michael Arnnand I sat there going okay,
I've heard everything nowBecause it's really something
and I really appreciate what youdo, michael, because by you
(31:43):
supporting the training, youmake sure that our loved ones
that go out in the morning kisstheir loved ones goodbye, he or
she get in a vehicle, work thewhite line and will safely come
home.
It's because it's people likeMichael Lark and Tom's 24-hour
towing and L-Cart that providesthe training for the people
(32:07):
around you to do that.
So I tip my hat to you, michael.
You've got the right attitude.
You got the right philosophyand I really appreciate what you
do for the industry.
Thank you, sir, and likewiseall right.
Speaker 2 (32:21):
So September 6th and 7th for a late medium duty in
Elkhart, indiana.
If you need the phone number,someone else seven, four, seven
nine, or you can go intoamtoriorg and Michael.
We'll see you in a couple ofweeks.
Speaker 4 (32:36):
Sounds good.
Speaker 1 (32:39):
Thanks for being on, michael.
You got any closing?
Speaker 4 (32:41):
comments.
Stay safe and shoot for thebest.
Speaker 1 (32:49):
Well said.
Thank you, michael, we'll seeyou soon.
Thank you.
you're on the train to success with April and Wes
Wilburn.
I'm DJ Harrington, the co-host,better known as the Toe Doctor.
We're all on our way to thetown of proper towing and
recovery, along with ourproducer, chuck Camp, in the
studio.
Don't go to the town of woulda,coulda, shoulda.
You coulda had done this.
(00:28):
You should have done that.
Listen every week tothought-provoking wisdom from
great guests iTunes, pandora,stitcher, iheartmedia or the
number one podcast, or maybeAmazon or wherever you get your
(00:50):
podcasts.
Turn in on Wednesday and beturned on all week long.
If you are a state associationand want your announcements or
upcoming state association newsannouncements or upcoming state
association news, or maybe aco-show that's coming up, let us
(01:18):
know.
Our podcast studio phone numberis 706-409-5603.
I'm proud to be part of a greatteam at the American Dorm
Recovery Institute.
Let's make 2025 our best yearever.
I will turn it to April Loomis.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
DJ, thank you so much for the intro.
I would say you're too nice,but I think it's appropriate.
We're pretty nice people.
Welcome one and all to TonyNews Now and the Tony News
Channel.
We have some great stuff totalk about and we have a great
interview coming up.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
We're getting ready for a busy season so I'm gearing
up for that.
Ed Wesley's last day here as anemployee.
He's going on to bigger andbetter things.
Still going to help his dad alittle bit, as needed.
But that was a tough dayemotionally yesterday.
Still a tough day emotionallytoday, but glad he's moving
forward.
He's been a huge help here andI'm excited for what his future
(02:03):
holds.
Help here and and um, I'mexcited for what his future
holds.
So besides that, I'm justfocusing on uh.
We're getting some activity forsome of these classes going on.
Got a little activity going onin consolidation corner.
We got a great interview goingon today.
We're also we're talking to auh trucking magazine about maybe
trying to interact with thetowing industry, with them.
It's funny, our podcast a weekago was on the same subject and
(02:26):
I really didn't see this thingcoming.
But out of left field what myson wesley one of the last
things he did was found found away to help us interact with
this trucking magazine in a wayto benefit us for selling some
truck books that we have, in away that's going to benefit them
for gaining a little bit moreinformation about the towing
industry and again it kind ofcame out of that field that last
(02:49):
week we interviewed cliff andjoyce, partially out of kentucky
, that are on a personal missionthemselves.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
If you didn't hear that podcast, you really should
listen to it we'll put a linkdown for it, um, when we push
this out and just just.
Let's go back to Wesley justone more time.
Wesley and Kim are moving toTennessee and we're excited to
see them go, but it's somethingthat they've wanted to do and
they're looking forward to itand they're excited.
Wesley is still working for us.
(03:17):
It's gonna be on a part-timebasis.
He has been very instrumentalat how, in the last few years,
and probably especially sincecovid I would think he's worked
for us before that too butgetting helping us with the um,
the marketing and the facebook,and he's learned how to do.
Um, he's been very instrumentalin these podcasts as far as,
(03:38):
like, doing the back part ofthis and sending this to chuck,
uh and and then chuck, you know,finishes it up and makes it, um
, the magic happen.
But if you've watched ourcommercials that we've done, if
you've seen any of thepowerpoints that we've done,
what wesley has been, if not allof it- yes, he certainly has
yes, and kim as well.
(04:00):
Kim is going to be working forus part-time.
Kim does more for us than Ithink.
I even know that she does.
There's just so many littlethings that she does and so many
little pieces that she putstogether and then I have the
finished product when it's done.
I don't always see all theintricate things that she does,
(04:20):
but she's definitely going to bemissed, as well as wesley,
physically not having them hereand also with them just going
part-time as far as like what,what we're doing.
So we love you, wesley and cam.
We wish the best of luck to youin your, in your, new life, but
we still got you part-time.
So, west, I'm gonna, I'm gonnaswitch it back over to you.
Speaker 1 (04:42):
Yeah, by you.
We've got one consolidationcorner to talk about.
This one hits close to where Igrew up as well.
Owls Towing has beenconsolidated into the Valor
Fleet Service Partners.
Henry's Record Roadrunner inNorthern Virginia had already
consolidated together and nowthey've got OwLS that's joined
(05:05):
together.
Based in Falls Church, owlsTowing has been a provider in
North Virginia for over 30 years, Headquartered in Leesburg.
Fleet Services is a leadingtowing hauling provider.
Mid-atlantic Valor Servicesoffers 24-7 heavy duty to light
duty towing, parking enforcement, truck repair, etc.
(05:26):
It's a significant bonus thatthese organizations are working
together.
I'm fired up to be teaming upwith Valerie.
These guys know business andcare about doing things right,
just like we always have.
I've known Fred and Dave for along time.
There's a lot of mutual respectthere, so we wish them the best
(05:46):
going forward that was a directquote from now yes, yes, it was
.
We wish them the best as theymove forward and um any
consolidators out there.
You got information.
Make sure you get us that pressrelease so we can read it on
air.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
So and I have a full disclosure on the henry trucker.
That's my origin story, so tospeak.
That's where I came from.
Speaker 1 (06:10):
Well, this is all great news.
I hope all our listeners arelistening, so please hang tight
and we'll be right back.
Speaker 3 (06:22):
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Speaker 1 (07:29):
Welcome back listeners.
Of course you know you'relistening to the number one
podcast in the towing recoveryindustry, the American Towing
Recovery Institute podcast onthe brand new Towing News
Channel.
Now I want to thank all of you.
We have 20,000 listeners andgrowing mightily.
(07:49):
This is fantastic.
Wes and April Wilburn have donea phenomenal job and the team
there have done fantastic.
I want to tell all of youplease continue listening.
We're available on Spotify,itunesunes, pandora, stitcher,
iheart media, amazon or whereveryou get your podcast.
(08:13):
So, without further ado, we gota great one today.
I'll pass it on over to apriland wes wilbur michael ward, how
are you doing today?
Speaker 2 (08:24):
I'd like to introduce yourself to us or to everybody
else.
You're a good friend to us, butI want everybody else to get to
know you.
Speaker 4 (08:33):
Yeah, thanks for having me on Mike Ward from
Tom's 24-Hour Towing Inc.
In Elkhart, indiana.
For those that don't know, I'vebeen around the industry my
whole life.
For those that don't know, I'vebeen around the industry my
whole life and I bought out myboss that I worked for for about
six years, four years ago,april.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
Michael, how did you get started in the industry?
What brought you into it?
What brought you into it?
Speaker 4 (08:58):
I grew up into it.
My grandfather was in southernMichigan in an outcard himself,
and my dad worked for Mike, whoI bought out here at Tom's from
the late 80s to about 98.
And my uncle, steve, owned hisown company for 37 years Steve's
Auto in LaGrange, indiana about31 of these.
Speaker 1 (09:22):
So you're third generation then.
Speaker 4 (09:25):
Yes, sir.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
All right.
And you said for four yearsyou've owed Thomas 24.
Speaker 1 (09:33):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
And you bought that.
You worked for Tom Stoncilovicfor six years before that, Mike.
Speaker 4 (09:39):
Stoncilovic, yeah, I'm sorry.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
I'm sorry, mike, yes, and I know he's a great fella
too.
Uh, he really is yes how manytrucks do you have in your fleet
now?
Speaker 4 (09:53):
uh, we're up to 16 trucks um, plus other pieces of
equipment, from skid loaders totelehandlers to excavator now um
, we pretty much got abouteverything yeah, I know,
whatever I talk to you, you'reeither you're either on a job or
you just got back from one.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
You guys, it's pretty busy, and I think you do some
specialty work too, don't you?
Speaker 4 (10:13):
yes, ma'am.
Speaker 2 (10:15):
I think you called me your custom craft clean the
other day.
When you call me to ordersomething, I'm gonna I'm not
going to use that title too muchbut, um, because you like that
specialty stuff, I know that youdo specialty jobs.
Give us an example of somethingthat you had to do where you
had to apply some kind ofspecial technique to it.
Speaker 4 (10:36):
I mean we do a lot of stuff, just like everybody else
does.
I think the specialty side ofit comes from putting my head
together with Wes on some chainassemblies and stuff that we've
come up with.
In my opinion, that makesthings safer and more economical
for ourselves and the customerbecause, as we all know, time is
(10:57):
money.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
And if you can get safety, economical and
convenience at the same time,that's the golden ticket, isn't
it?
Yes, Michael, I know that youdo a lot of specialty work.
Give me a good example of howyou've used some of this rigging
and done a reconfiguration andapplied it to one of your jobs.
Speaker 4 (11:18):
About a year or two ago me and Wes put our heads
together for a better riggingpiece, in my opinion, of taking
that Omega link on chain with aself-locking hook, and we use
those for, of course, recoveriesand stuff.
But it also works well onprecast structures.
(11:40):
You can use a container linkand to put that through the
omega link and then you can makea bridle to use that and in my
opinion it's safer because itdoes not wedge itself in there
to reduce any working load limit, but it also is.
You can use half inch chains orthree-quarters seven inch rim
(12:02):
swings, so your capacity is wayhigher.
So therefore takes a safetyfactor way higher than what the
rigging is rated for that youbuy to actually lift pretty cast
yeah, the idea of putting themajor.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
We kind of brainstorm together a while back.
Great idea.
I really loved how you took itto the next level with a precast
stuff that you were picking andusing that container link in a
very creative manner, writingthat Omega link and another part
of that whole thing was thecontainer link and the Omega
(12:38):
link were in a slightly funnyposition but you had all your
grade 100 happens so perfectlystraight, exactly how it's
supposed to use.
So you other stuff that was in aslightly funny position has a
much greater working load limit.
So you know, putting a littlesallow on it was it wasn't a big
deal.
I thought it was very ingeniousway you put that together and I
(13:01):
was very thankful you sent methe pictures on.
Speaker 4 (13:05):
Yeah, I totally agree .
And what we're doing with it,in my opinion, the way they're
designed to be in a containerand you're lifting basically 90
degrees to start with, I thinkit's even less stress than even
doing that.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
Yeah, I agree with that.
We've got to take a quick break.
But after the break let's comeback.
I want you to talk a little bitabout trading at your company,
Okay, Thanks to talk a littlebit about trading at your
company.
Speaker 3 (13:37):
Okay, traa, the Injured Drivers Fund and
legislation that makes all of ussafer are what makes this
industry special.
Ina Towing supports all of thisand more.
When there is a need, gayRochester is always one of the
first to come forward and askhow can I help?
The American Towing andRecovery Institute is honored to
have the support of the INATowing Network.
(13:58):
Together we all make adifference.
Ina Towing Network simplifiedsolutions, superior service.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
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 tow orpolice, we got you covered.
To find the EV Clever app, goto your Apple or Google Play
store for a 30-day free trial.
We also offer the National TowOperator Certification, an
(14:30):
independently sourced virtualtesting program covering light
duty, heavy duty, electric andalternative fuel vehicle.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
Welcome back listeners.
This is the brand new TowingNews Channel with the American
Towing Recovery Institute, wesand April Wilburn, dj Harrington
as the co-host.
Really, I just introduced thepeople, but we're listening from
Michael Lark, who is fromElkhart, indiana, up and comes
(15:00):
24-hour towing and I want toremind all our listeners,
elkhart, indiana, is really theRV capital of the world.
Indiana is really the RVcapital of the world and they
are certified operators toungeck a lot of this equipment.
So you know, michael's in agreat place.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
Welcome back, Michael .
I know we're going to go intotraining and we're doing an
upcoming event at your placeSeptember 6th and 7th for a
light and medium beauty classand we're really looking forward
to being there.
And you've hosted training withus before.
Speaker 4 (15:33):
Yes, ma'am.
Speaker 2 (15:34):
And I know that Wes is going to ask you some
questions about training.
But, number one, thank you forhaving us back, and also want to
thank your family for puttingup with us too, because we're a
handful and I know that turnsour lives upside down, too, when
we take your weekend away fromthat.
It turns our lives upside downtoo, when we take your weekend
away from that.
So thank your family.
Speaker 4 (15:55):
And if you want to give a shout out to your wife
and your kids, now's the time todo it.
Yeah, they are my biggest fans.
It's not always easy and it'snot always the most popular
thing, but they are always therefor me and anybody in this
industry understands what I'msaying.
Speaker 2 (16:08):
Yeah, and it's a very critical part of success too,
is that good family structureand that good connectivity too,
and I think that can't be saidenough.
So thanks, thanks, thanks forputting up with us.
We appreciate it.
Now, michael, you're supposedto give a shout out and at least
say love you guys, or something, okay, All right.
Speaker 4 (16:29):
Thank you, amber and my beautiful three children.
I wouldn't be able to do this,or have the willpower, without
them cheering me on every day.
Speaker 1 (16:37):
So talk a little bit about training as a record
operator how has it affected youand also as a business owner.
Then we'll get into talking alittle bit about the class going
on.
But talk a little bit about howyour belief on training and how
it's affected your career.
Speaker 4 (16:55):
My opinion on it is as you go to anything outside
the towing industry whether it'sa lawyer, a doctor, somebody
that works on your furnace oryour car nobody just gets up
every day or one day and says,I'm going to do this.
They have to get that training,they have to perfect those
skills, whether it's fromsomebody else teaching them, a
(17:16):
family member or going to anactual institution, whatever it
may be.
I don't like the attitude orthe mindset of well, dad and
grandpa did it this way and it'salways worked.
That's what we need to do.
I totally disagree.
I mean, I respect myforefathers, I respect the
people that came up before us,but there is always a better way
(17:39):
and there's a safer way and amore economical way, and we're
never gonna get there unless youdo push the training and
everyone works together toinstill that inside of
everybody's their mindset whilewe're talking about classes,
mean Jeff, our part of theCardinal towing legacy group.
Speaker 1 (17:59):
We're going to do a seminar on Thursday afternoon on
the subject of consolidation.
We're going to talk a littlebit about past, present, present
and future of consolidation andwhat's going on with it and how
it's affecting the towingindustry.
So we're looking forward tothat.
Jeff's a very powerfulindividual that speaks very
(18:22):
wisely.
He's a very just short timeI've been around him, I've got a
lot of respect for him, how hehandles things, how he looks at
things.
I'm excited about the seminarwe'll be doing there in
Chattanooga on Thursday.
It's part of their seminarpackage program and of course
we've got the two-day classThursday and Friday.
We're going to be in Wichita,kansas, on September the 4th.
(18:46):
That's a Thursday evening.
That's a sponsored dinner andan evening electric and
alternative fuel vehicle class.
That Saturday and Sunday that'sSeptember the 6th and 7th we're
doing one of the only let meback up the only light medium
class in the middle of thecountry will be at Elkhart,
indiana, for a two-day class.
Tom's telling us there'shosting, though is do a great
(19:06):
job.
Following weekend, october 3rdthrough the 5th, niagara falls
slash buffalo, new york, athree-day extreme heavy duty
class.
Myself and jt will be teachinga class and we're supposed to
have a surprise instructor goingto stop by and help teach the
class.
The following week will be thechattanooga will be it october
19th and 10th will be the chatin chattanooga today, heavy duty
(19:28):
that is a class you have toregister for and pay for Weekend
.
After that, october 16th, onthe Friday, we'll be in Kansas
City for a one-day light duty.
On the Saturday, sunday, that'sthe 17th and 18th of October
we'll be in Kansas City with aheavy-duty tow and recovery
class, lake Station.
The following weekend, october25th to 26th, two-day heavy duty
(19:52):
rotator class.
Then we'll be down inEnterprise, alabama.
November 7th and Fridays, aone-day light duty on a.
Saturday, sunday that's the 8thand the 9th.
It's a two-day heavy duty towand recovery class.
We'll be in Lake Charles LakeCharles, louisiana, connie's
favorite city, will be downthere in the 15th, or one day
(20:14):
late duty.
It's November the 15th this isworking in conjunction with the
tone of every professionalLouisiana.
And on the the 16th will be inLake Charles, again with a
one-day heavy duty session.
Two-day class on Saturday alight duty.
On Sunday, a heavy duty,one-day class.
(20:36):
For two days total.
You can attend one or the other, you don't have to attend both.
Naval, florida, december the6th and the 7th.
Two-day light and medium duty,the only other light and medium
duty we're doing anywhere in thecountry at this point.
First weekend of December,december 6th and the 7th, in
Naples, florida, and rest inhope, post in class.
(20:58):
Give me a call.
We've got some more dates wecan put on.
We've got crew of instructorsthat are anxious to get out
there and share knowledge withy'all.
Speaker 2 (21:07):
Also another thing, and then Wes is going to talk
more about training.
The other thing with that isdoing what somebody else done in
the past.
They were in the past, theywere the cutting edge, they were
the risk takers, they're theones who honed their skills,
while we would not want to dothe same thing, to carry that
legacy on.
I think I don't know if thatdoes it justice to that history
(21:28):
and that legacy.
So that's, I think I don't knowif that does it justice to that
history and that legacy, butthat's, I think, another reason
why training is essential.
Number one, it's for safety,but number two, it's carrying on
the value and skills that youbring to the table whenever
you're out there on the side ofthe road.
Speaker 4 (21:43):
I 100% agree.
Speaker 1 (21:46):
Old skills are good skills.
They just should not be youronly skills, yep, one of the
reasons training is so important, whether it's technician or tow
and recovery.
Modern vehicles are changing,have changed and are continued
to change all the time, andunderstanding the construction,
(22:13):
how the vehicles change as faras construction goes, and things
like that are becoming more andmore important.
We all know that even a littlemark or a little blemish on a
vehicle can cause a bunch ofmoney and a lot of heartache at
the same time.
Speaker 4 (22:28):
Very true, and the equipment that we're running
every day.
I mean it was easier to scratchan old home's record that was
made out of steel, that youprobably wouldn't be able to
find, but nowadays we've gotcomposite bodies, we've got
aluminum bodies, plastic bodiesyou know what I mean and trucks
that cost more than homes thatwe'll ever live in.
You know there's more at stakethan what there used to be.
(22:48):
That's right, and it's alsodifferent stake than what there
used to be.
Speaker 1 (22:52):
That's right, and it's also different attitudes
about stuff like that as well.
Speaker 4 (22:57):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (23:00):
You know, a big part of it is the vehicles that we're
dealing with.
Towing are so much different.
I saw something on social mediathe other night where they
towed a truck.
The towing company towed atruck just a few miles but they
left the drive cap in it and thetruck they were towing caught
fire, was fully ablaze.
That's one of the maindifferences of modern trucks and
(23:22):
things you need to learn aboutto prevent situations like that.
So you guys are hosting ourLight and Medium duty class.
Talk a little bit about that,michael, if you would.
Why do you go through thehassle of hosting a class?
Let's start with that, michaelNutterfield.
Speaker 4 (23:44):
Well, it's like anything if somebody doesn't
stand up and make an effort todo it, who's going to do it and
how is it ever going to happen?
Well, no matter what it is Imean, you could ask my local
competitors.
I'm not shy from being at thefront of the line and speaking
my mind and pushing for thingsto be better.
(24:04):
I've never been much of afollower.
Speaker 2 (24:08):
Even if you're not a follower, you definitely lead by
example because you do step upfor these trainings and you do
host them, and you do put upwith us when you're not a
follower.
You definitely lead by examplebecause you do step up for these
trainings and you do host themand you do put up with us when
you're doing it.
So follow a leader, whicheverone you may want to do.
And sometimes it's good tofollow, as long as you can find
a good leader, and you are agood leader.
Speaker 4 (24:25):
Yeah, and that's what .
I don't mean any disrespect byit or anything, mean any
disrespect by it or anything.
But somebody's got to push forthis and even the old school
guys to perfect their skills andthese young guys that are
wanting to get involved withthis, to get them to where they
are, from where they are towhere they need to be.
I mean you have to put forththe effort, you have to give up
(24:48):
those weekends, you have to giveup that time and make sure that
you're making it happen forthem.
Speaker 1 (24:54):
And this is a team effort.
You work with other companiesas well, don't you?
Speaker 4 (24:58):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (24:59):
Do you want to elaborate on that, Michael?
Speaker 4 (25:02):
We actually have several companies around the
area.
We go as far as 40, 50 milesaway to help other towing
companies, whether it be fortransport stuff or heavy
recovery, airbags or dollies.
I mean, we help anybody we canor anybody that calls upon us,
as long as they're going to behonest and do things the right
(25:25):
way.
That's just what I believe ishelping people.
But if it goes the other way,then you know.
You know how that goes.
But yeah, we have a strongrelationship with a lot of
people and it shows you knowwhen things are needed they call
upon us to go help because theyknow the kind of people we are
and I am and what my companystands for.
Speaker 1 (25:48):
In reference to the training, you did work with
other towing companies in thataspect as well.
Speaker 4 (25:54):
Yes, yeah, anytime we put a training class on,
there's always local companiesthat you know for.
As soon as they hear it, Ialways get a phone call do you
want to sponsor?
You know food or drinks?
Do you need a wrecker there?
Do you need his help?
I mean, there's always phonecalls, especially from Truestone
and Mark at Newcomer Service inNapanee, indiana.
(26:17):
He's always willing to help,even if his guys are not even
attending the class, they'realways willing to help and lend
a hand anytime they can.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
Yeah, that's one of the great things about that area
is everybody works there realwell and helps share the duties
and truly they've been wonderfulover the years sponsoring meals
, equipment, sending students.
You know you can't do itwithout the students, so we
definitely appreciate that.
Speaker 2 (26:43):
Yeah, and I want to say one thing about Trish's
coming.
Travis, seeing it on theschedule, called me to confirm
that we were doing the class andthis next phone call is going
to be to you to see if youneeded anything from him that I
was there directly at all.
Whatever, and their officebunch helping you sponsor some
of the meals and some of thefood that's there too.
So big shout out to truth tellme.
Speaker 1 (27:05):
Yes, so we're going to be at the Oslo fire
department.
Is that correct?
Yes, we'll be using the Oslofire department.
Speaker 4 (27:11):
Is that correct?
Yes, we'll be using the Oslofires training room at the fire
station for the book part ofthings and then we'll be at our
location for the hands-on partof it and sponsor lunch both
days correct yes, sir yeah, thehospitality that part of the
(27:33):
world is always extraordinarywell, it can't go wrong in the
midwest, and midwest knows howto treat you now, where can they
call to get you know?
Speaker 1 (27:43):
can you take some more people in or no?
Are you sold out?
Speaker 2 (27:47):
we're not sold out yet.
We still do have some seats.
You can call here, 910-747-9000, or you can go on the website.
Amtowriorg, You're the one tosign up.
I'll handle you directly.
If you call me, or if you justwant to go on the website, you
can do it that way too.
Speaker 1 (28:05):
Wes, I'll tell you one thing I like about Michael
Lord is that he lives in Indiana, he belongs to his association,
he belongs to TRAA and hesupports the touring museum.
So there's three reasons why Ilike the guy.
Speaker 2 (28:22):
Definitely shows the level of investment, doesn't it
DJ?
Speaker 1 (28:25):
Oh yeah yeah.
And he believes in you guys andyou're, I believe, one of the
best training companies outthere.
Speaker 2 (28:32):
So you know that plays on both supporters little
supporter and we believe thatabout him as well.
Speaker 1 (28:38):
Dj yeah he's a great guy and that's coming from the
old toe back there, michael.
One guy yesterday, when we weredoing a podcast for Wes, all
the guys kept saying are you theguy with the white jacket who
walks around as a doctor?
Speaker 2 (29:00):
Yeah, I am, that's our DJ, DJ is the.
What is it called again?
Speaker 1 (29:07):
Well, they call me the co-doctor Okay, but in
recycling business.
They call me the cardie Doctor.
Okay, but in recycling businessthey call me the Cardiologist.
Speaker 2 (29:16):
Hold on a second Hold on.
You have another name In the.
Speaker 3 (29:19):
Toe Podcast world oh no, don't even say that now.
Speaker 2 (29:25):
You're the Toe and Godfather, because they all go
to you, yep, you are theGodfather of the Tome Podcast.
Speaker 1 (29:33):
Although there's only one or two left anymore.
I did hear we should giverespect to the Tome Business
Podcast.
I feel like they've covered allthe subjects that they can
cover.
Speaker 2 (29:47):
They quit broadcasting, so give them much
respect it's a hard gig to pulloff as well as, so I'm going to
shoot our own horn here just forone second we're closing in our
200 podcast.
we're going to it for maybe two.
That's, I think, substantial.
What's in DJ, then, these lastfew months have let me come
(30:08):
along with them and also be apart of it, so I also appreciate
that, and we have 20,000 loyallisteners out there who are
listening to us, so to me that'ssubstantial.
You guys did most of it.
I can't really tell, and so Ican just take some credit too.
I'm going to take the creditfor it, but you guys mostly did
it.
You DJ Harrington and RussellWilborn are the 20,000 people
(30:33):
that are listening to this thing.
That's substantial.
Speaker 1 (30:36):
Yeah, but April, I have to tell you in the podcast
world, if you did not have KimWesley and all those teen people
at the American Zoning RecoveryInstitute that does the social
media blast.
People always want to know howdid you guys do it?
It's because you do so muchsocial media and I've never in
(30:58):
my life here I'm at a toe showin Chattanooga and, michael, I
have to tell you this Someperson I'm talking to a vendor
and a person comes over and saysI know that voice and I said
what she says.
I know that voice and I saidwhat she said.
I know that voice.
You're the co-host with WesWilburn and I'm like what are
(31:21):
you talking about, lady?
I got my white jacket on, I gotmy doctor outfit on and they
knew me by my voice Michael Arnnand I sat there going okay,
I've heard everything nowBecause it's really something
and I really appreciate what youdo, michael, because by you
(31:43):
supporting the training, youmake sure that our loved ones
that go out in the morning kisstheir loved ones goodbye, he or
she get in a vehicle, work thewhite line and will safely come
home.
It's because it's people likeMichael Lark and Tom's 24-hour
towing and L-Cart that providesthe training for the people
(32:07):
around you to do that.
So I tip my hat to you, michael.
You've got the right attitude.
You got the right philosophyand I really appreciate what you
do for the industry.
Thank you, sir, and likewiseall right.
Speaker 2 (32:21):
So September 6th and 7th for a late medium duty in
Elkhart, indiana.
If you need the phone number,someone else seven, four, seven
nine, or you can go intoamtoriorg and Michael.
We'll see you in a couple ofweeks.
Speaker 4 (32:36):
Sounds good.
Speaker 1 (32:39):
Thanks for being on, michael.
You got any closing?
Speaker 4 (32:41):
comments.
Stay safe and shoot for thebest.
Speaker 1 (32:49):
Well said.
Thank you, michael, we'll seeyou soon.
Thank you.
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