The Tow Trend Podcast

Autura
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Automotive

Welcome to The Tow Trend Podcast with Dennis McGowan and Shelli Hawkins—your insider's guide to the towing industry! Join us monthly for dynamic conversations with industry experts, successful operators, and special guests sharing real stories from America's roadsides. Owners, dispatchers, fleet managers, and enthusiasts tune in to uncover the latest tools, trends, and tactics driving success today, and discover where the industry is headed next. Get ready for insights that keep your business and your community, moving forward. Brought to you by Autura.

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    Inside the M&A Process: Advice for Towing Business Owners from Experts at NETC

    Consolidation continues to transform the towing and recovery industry, and causing many operators ask questions like: What is my business worth? What does the sale process actually look like? What should I be doing today to prepare for the future?  Join The Tow Trend Podcast crew Dennis McGowan and Shelli Hawkins as they hand mics to special guests Michael Lampert and Ben Gains from New England Truck Center (NETC) to explore answers to these and other merger and acquisition (M&A) related questions. In this episode you'll hear real acquisition stories and gain our guests' perspective on why towing and recovery companies are being acquired at an increasing rate. Then the gang transitions to sharing practical advice and insights on: What M&A terms like EBITDA, Valuation, and Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) actually mean What the M&A process is like Steps you can take today to improve your company's future value What PE, investors, and large companies look for in potential acquisition opportunities Pitfalls and red flags that can derail a sale  And more This episode delivers practical guidance that can help you strengthen business practices – whether you plan to sell or remain independent. Listen now and enjoy!

  2. Jul 16

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

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

  3. Apr 21

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

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

  4. Mar 12

    All About Tow Business with Jeff Poquette

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

  5. Feb 9

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

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

  6. 12/16/2025

    Dispatch: The Heartbeat of Towing Operations

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

  7. 11/13/2025

    Training for Tomorrow: Building a Safer, Smarter Towing Industry

    In episode two of The Tow Trend Podcast, our hosts, Dennis McGowan and Shelli Hawkins, chat with towing industry experts and special guests Shane Coleman (ERSCA) and Bear Godfrey (WreckMaster), for a dynamic discussion on the evolving importance of safety and training. Catching these four busy professionals for a sit-down conversation wasn’t easy, but we’ve seized the opportunity to capture their perspectives on one of the industry’s hottest topics. With Shelli’s sharp wit and Dennis’ signature broadcaster voice guiding the conversation, our hosts draw out juicy nuggets of insight about what a strong safety culture looks like, overlooked safety blind spots, and more. What You'll Get: Changes in training over the last 30 yearsThe difference between how trained vs. untrained operators handle towing and recovery situationsCommon, avoidable training mistakesThe one action every owner should take right now🍕Everyone’s favorite pizza chain Enjoy this rare opportunity to “not just listen, but listen to understand” how towers, fleet managers, and other industry experts can benefit from making training and safety a priority for America’s most essential industry. Resources: ERSCAtraining.org | WreckMaster.com | Autura.com

    Training for Tomorrow: Building a Safer, Smarter Towing Industry

  8. 10/01/2025

    Rising Costs, Rising Prices: What's Next for Towing?

    Finally, a towing podcast by people who've actually run the trucks, built the tech, and lived in the trenches! Hosts Shelli Hawkins and Dennis McGowan bring decades of street-level experience and insider knowledge to launch The Tow Trend Podcast. Dennis shares wild stories from his days running 70+ trucks in NYC (including his first call - a car crashed INSIDE a laundromat), while Shelli reveals how she became the industry's secret weapon for implementing game-changing technology. But this isn't just war stories. They're breaking down Autura's explosive State of Towing Report: 72% of towers are jacking up prices in 2025. Insurance costs are crushing operators. Good employees are impossible to find and even harder to keep. What You'll Get: Raw industry intel from the front linesProven strategies to combat rising costsWhy losing cheap customers makes you moneyInsider preview of upcoming industry webinarsFor towers, fleet managers, and anyone who wants the real story behind America's most essential industry. Learn more: https://autura.com

  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Tow Trend Podcast with Dennis McGowan and Shelli Hawkins—your insider's guide to the towing industry! Join us monthly for dynamic conversations with industry experts, successful operators, and special guests sharing real stories from America's roadsides. Owners, dispatchers, fleet managers, and enthusiasts tune in to uncover the latest tools, trends, and tactics driving success today, and discover where the industry is headed next. Get ready for insights that keep your business and your community, moving forward. Brought to you by Autura.

Information

  • Creator
    Autura
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Autura
  • Show Website
    The Tow Trend Podcast